At least nineteen bodies were recovered, and hundreds of people are suspected to be trapped after massive landslides struck various hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district in the early hours of Tuesday.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has deployed Fireforce and NDRF teams to the affected area, with an additional NDRF team on its way to Wayanad. Additionally, two teams from the Kannur Defence Security Corps have been instructed to move to Wayanad to assist in the rescue efforts, according to a Facebook post by the KSDMA.
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Responding to the situation, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has assured that all government agencies are working together to carry out rescue operations in the aftermath of massive landslides in Wayanad district, following reports of hundreds being trapped. Meanwhile, a tragic update emerged with the confirmation of the death of a one-year-old Nepali child in a landslide in Thondernad village, marking a heart-wrenching loss amidst the ongoing rescue efforts.
Emergency numbers issued as rescue efforts intensify
Chief Minister Vijayan announced that state ministers will travel to the hilly district to lead rescue efforts following landslides and rain-related disasters in Wayanad.
The Health Department, through the National Health Mission, has opened a control room. People needing emergency assistance can contact authorities at 9656938689 or 8086010833.
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The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) reported that Fireforce and NDRF teams are on site, with another NDRF team on the way to Wayanad. Two teams from the Kannur Defence Security Corps have also been instructed to assist, according to a KSDMA Facebook post.
Locals in the affected areas fear many people are trapped, but rescue operations are being hampered by ongoing heavy rainfall.