More than 40 people have died due to a landslide near Meppadi in Wayanad, Kerala on Tuesday.
M.B. Rajesh, a minister in the Kerala government, has said that so far 43 deaths have been confirmed and this number may be higher than this. Media reports said 45 people have died so far. 250 people have been rescued during the rescue operation. Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that the landslide incident took place at 2-3 am on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the landslide in Wayanad was also discussed in Parliament. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has also spoken to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh regarding relief and rescue work.
Earlier, Veena George said - the bodies of 24 people have been taken to hospitals, about 70 people are injured. Essential medicines are being delivered to the hospitals in Wayanad.
A large number of people are feared to be trapped in the landslide. The death toll may increase.
Forest Minister AK Sasindran said that it is difficult to tell the number of people trapped in the landslide at the moment. But it is feared more than 100 could be trapped.
Helicopters of NDRF, Kannur Defense Security Corps and Air Force are engaged in rescue operations. But rescue operations are facing difficulties due to rain.
It has been told by Chief Minister Vijayan's office that the army has been asked to help build a temporary bridge to reach the landslide site. Many places in Kerala have received heavy rains in the past few days. These places also include areas like Mundakkai, Attamala and Kunhom.
PM assures all possible help
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over loss of lives due to landslides in parts of Wayanad, Kerala. He has also spoken to Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Central Government in the wake of the prevailing situation there.
The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia from PMNRF of Rs. 2 lakhs to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those injured.
The Prime Minister posted on X; “Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there.”
Rahul urges Centre to extend all possible help
Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the devastation unfolding in Wayanad is heartbreaking. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon. I have urged the Union government in Parliament to extend all possible support, including increased compensation and its immediate release to the bereaved families, he said.
Our country has witnessed an alarming rise in landslides in recent years. The need of the hour is a comprehensive action plan to address the growing frequency of natural calamities in our ecologically fragile regions.
Rahul said further, “ I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector, who assured me that rescue operations are underway. I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts.
Rahul said, “I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad. I urge all UDF workers to assist the administration in the rescue and relief operations.
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