The death toll from the devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district has risen to 63, with around 116 people injured, according to the Kerala Revenue Minister’s office.
The landslides, which struck the Meppadi area, have led to the establishment of three relief camps in Wayanad.
Currently, 12 individuals are receiving treatment at Kalpetta Government Hospital and 77 at WIMS Wayanad, where eight deaths have also been reported. Meppadi Community Health Centre and Vythiri Taluk Hospital have each reported one death, and 27 people are being treated at Meppadi CHC. Bathery Taluk Hospital is caring for 27 injured patients and has reported 35 fatalities.
Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran and state minister Ramachandran Kadannappalli have arrived to assess the damage and coordinate immediate response measures. A team of ministers from the Revenue, Public Works, and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Departments is traveling from Thiruvananthapuram to the affected area.
Minister MB Rajesh stated that the state government is working with various agencies to carry out rescue efforts on a “war footing.” The Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that 250 people have been rescued and moved to temporary shelter camps, with airlifting operations underway for stranded individuals.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is closely monitoring the situation and has dispatched a team of ministers to Wayanad. An IAS officer will be stationed in Wayanad to oversee rescue operations. The Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force have been mobilized, with a Navy team from Ezhimala Naval Base and additional army personnel from Kannur and Kozhikode assisting on the ground.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has deployed teams from the Fireforce and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to the affected areas. Rescue efforts have been hindered by the collapse of a main bridge in Chooralmala, but drones and a dog squad are being used to aid search operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured all possible help from the Centre and announced financial assistance for the victims. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 will be given to the injured.
Health Minister Veena George has opened a district-level control room to coordinate emergency health services, with contact numbers 8086010833 and 9656938689 available for assistance.
Rescue operations continue as teams work tirelessly to assist those affected by the landslides in Wayanad.
