Wayanad (Kerala), July 31:The devastating landslide in Wayanad has claimed the lives of at least 158 people, with rescue operations intensifying to trace those still missing. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has declared two days of state mourning in the wake of the tragedy.
CM Vijayan Reviews Situation as Rescue Efforts Continue
Following the landslide in the hilly areas near Meppadi, which occurred early on Tuesday, several rescue agencies have ramped up their efforts to locate and assist the affected residents. The Indian Army, Fire Force, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are working tirelessly to manage the situation.
1,200 Personnel Mobilized for Rescue Operations
In the Chooralmala area of Wayanad, 1,200 personnel from the Indian Army, DSC Centre, Territorial Army, NDRF, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF) are actively engaged in search and rescue missions. The Indian Army, in collaboration with these teams, successfully rescued 19 civilians stranded at Ela Resort and Vana Rani Resort beyond Mundkai village.
#WATCH | Wayanad landslide | Search and rescue operations continue at landslide-affected Chooralmala in Wayanad. At the moment, 1200 rescue workers from Indian Army, DSC centre, Territorial Army, NDRF, Indian Navy and the IAF are deployed here.
The death toll stands at 158. pic.twitter.com/gRra3cuwaW
— ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2024
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has also deployed its Disaster Relief units from Kochi and Beypore to provide critical aid and support to those affected by the landslide.
IAF C-17 Delivers Bailey Bridge Equipment to Aid Rescue Efforts
To bolster the rescue and recovery operations, an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster has been dispatched from Hindon IAF Station in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad, carrying bridging stores and personnel required for constructing a Bailey Bridge. This crucial equipment will arrive at Kannur International Airport and be transported to Wayanad in 17 trucks. The operation is being coordinated by Captain Puran Singh Natha Vath of the Kannur Defense Security Forces (DSC).
Update : Day2
Based on inputs from Kerala Govt. Forest Officials & Villagers, 122 Inf Battalion (TA) MADRAS, led by Sub Gijil, Sub Jayesh & Nb Sub Anilkumar along with 12 Jawans, rescued 19 civilians stranded in ElaResort & VanaRaniResort beyond Mundkayi village.#WayanadDisaster pic.twitter.com/hbyKcVtVCl— PRO Defence Kochi (@DefencePROkochi) July 31, 2024
Kerala CM Vijayan to Hold All-Party Meeting
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is scheduled to visit Wayanad on Thursday to assess the situation firsthand and hold an all-party meeting in the landslide-hit district. The state government is yet to finalize the compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured.
This massive coordinated effort by multiple agencies underscores the gravity of the situation and the determination to mitigate further loss and assist those affected by this tragic event.
