Late Monday night, heavy rains in Wayanad, Kerala, triggered landslides at four locations. The devastation, occurring between 2 am and 6 am, led to the washing away of four villages: Mundakkai, Chooralmmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha. The natural disaster obliterated houses, bridges, roads, and vehicles in its wake.
Over 400 missing
The landslides have resulted in the death of 84 people so far. Additionally, 116 people are hospitalized, and over 400 people are reported missing. Rescue operations are being carried out by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), who are on-site trying to manage the aftermath.
Military and Air Force Assistance
In response to the disaster, 225 army personnel were dispatched from Kannur to Wayanad. Although two Air Force helicopters were also sent for rescue operations, they had to return to Kozhikode due to inclement weather conditions.
State Mourning Declared
The Kerala government has announced a two-day state mourning period to honor the victims of this tragic event.
This region is no stranger to landslides. Five years ago, in 2019, a similar catastrophe claimed 17 lives, and five people still remain missing from that event. The 2019 landslides also destroyed 52 houses.
Mundakkai: The Hardest Hit
Mundakkai village has suffered the most significant damage. Approximately 250 people are stranded, and the NDRF is struggling to reach the area on foot due to inaccessible roads and downed mobile networks. Among the missing are 35 employees from a nearby tea estate, and many families have lost their homes.
2 foreigners rescued
In Chooralmmala village, the situation is equally dire. District Panchayat President Samshad Maraikkar reported extensive damage and ongoing rescue efforts. Among those rescued were two foreign nationals staying in a homestay.
Weather Warnings
The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Kozhikode, Mallapuram, and Kasargod, indicating the potential for continued heavy rain, which could hamper rescue operations.
Hospitals on high alert
In response to the disaster, the Health Department has established a control room and issued helpline numbers (8086010833 and 9656938689) for emergency health services. Kerala Health Minister Veena George has put hospitals in Vaithiri, Kalpatta, Meppadi, and Mananthavady on high alert. Additionally, all tourist spots in Kozhikode district are temporarily closed, and granite quarries have been ordered to cease operations.
The situation remains critical, with ongoing efforts to rescue those affected and mitigate further damage from potential rains.
No comments:
Post a Comment