Massive landslide in Wayanad: Death toll rises to 158, over 180 still trapped

Wayanad landslide: At least 158 people have been killed and over 200 injured following massive landslides in the hilly areas near Meppadi in Wayanad. Government data indicates that more than 180 individuals are feared trapped under the debris, as multiple agencies and the Army work tirelessly to rescue as many as possible.

On Tuesday, Wayanad experienced three landslides within four hours amid heavy rain, causing widespread destruction in Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages. Several individuals were swept away by the Chaliyar river.

A rescue operation is underway, with injured persons being moved using a ropeway.  Wayanad has established 45 relief camps, housing 3,069 people. Visuals on social media reveal uprooted trees and damaged houses across the district, renowned for its scenic locales and tea estates.

District authorities in Wayanad are gathering data to determine the number of missing persons by reviewing ration card details and other government documents. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has declared a two-day state mourning and will chair a meeting with senior officials and ministers in Wayanad to review rescue operations.

Units from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and other emergency services personnel have resumed operations on the second day, searching under collapsed roofs and debris of destroyed houses for victims and survivors.

A total of 225 Army personnel have been deployed for rescue operations, with additional companies moved from Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru to Calicut. The Army has rescued over 1,000 people using a temporary structure after a major bridge connecting Chooralmala and Mundakkai villages was washed away due to heavy rain.

An NDRF personnel quoted by ANI warned of the potential for another landslide as heavy rainfall continues in the district. Helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 have been issued.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George's car met with a minor accident en route to Wayanad. She was taken to Manjeri Medical College in Malappuram for first aid.

The weather department has forecast more rain for Wayanad and several other districts over the coming days. A red alert for heavy rain has been issued for Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod districts.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced assistance of Rs 5 crore to the Kerala government. The Prime Minister's Office has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased.

(With PTI inputs)