The Wayanad landslides that struck Kerala on July 30, 2024, have resulted in a devastating tragedy, with over 50 people confirmed dead and dozens more still missing. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the death toll is expected to rise. Torrential rains caused massive landslides, leaving the villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha in ruins and isolating them from the rest of the region.
On July 30, 2024, the serene high-range villages of Wayanad in Kerala were shattered by a series of massive landslides triggered by relentless torrential rains. Over 50 people have lost their lives, with hundreds feared trapped beneath the debris. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the death toll is expected to rise.
The picturesque hamlets of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, once known for their natural beauty, are now scenes of destruction and despair.
The Scale of the Disaster
The landslides have left a trail of devastation in their wake. Houses have been destroyed, water bodies have swollen, and uprooted trees and boulders litter the landscape. The sheer force of the landslides has cut off these villages from the rest of the region, making rescue efforts exceedingly difficult. Vehicles washed away by floodwaters can be seen lodged in tree trunks and submerged in various locations, adding to the chaos.
The Immediate Aftermath
The landslides struck the Chooralmala and Thondernad areas, located approximately 460 kilometers north of Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has reported that Fireforce and NDRF teams are already on the ground, with additional NDRF teams being mobilized to expedite rescue efforts.
However, the ongoing heavy rainfall continues to hinder these operations, making it a race against time to save as many lives as possible.
The Human Toll
Among the tragic losses, a one-year-old child from a Nepali family was reported dead, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster. The isolation of many areas due to landslides has made it difficult to get a complete picture of the missing and deceased.
UDF Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) T Siddique stated that authorities are planning to airlift people from the severely affected Mundakkai area.
Impact on Infrastructure and Livelihood
According to preliminary data, around 700 individuals have been relocated to shelter camps, and at least 29 dwellings have sustained partial damage. The landslides have not only taken lives but also severely impacted the livelihoods of the people in these regions.
Agricultural lands have been inundated, and infrastructure such as roads and bridges has been damaged, cutting off access to essential services.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, and local authorities, are working tirelessly to reach and save those trapped under the rubble. Despite the heavy rain and challenging conditions, rescue workers are bravely shifting the injured and deceased into ambulances.
Government and Military Response
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has confirmed that two Air Force helicopters have been dispatched to airlift affected families from the landslide-hit areas. The Indian Army has deployed around 225 personnel, including medical staff, to ramp up rescue operations.
He also assured that all government agencies are actively participating in the rescue and relief operations. Ministers from the state government will be traveling to Wayanad to oversee the efforts and ensure effective coordination.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi have also discussed the incident and coordinated efforts to assist the affected regions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured assistance and compensation in supporting the affected families. He has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured, providing some financial relief in this dire situation.
The control room, functioning under the direct supervision of the State police chief, has been set up to provide information and assistance. The public can contact the 24-hour control room at the phone numbers 9497900402 and 0471 2721566.
Weather Woes Continue
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy rainfall is likely to continue in the northern hilly areas of Kerala, including Wayanad. The districts of Wayanad and Kannur are on ‘red’ alert, indicating the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall, which poses an additional challenge for the ongoing rescue operations. The rising water levels of rivers flowing through the region further complicate the situation.
How You Can Help
The road to recovery for Wayanad will be long and challenging. The immediate focus remains on rescuing those trapped and providing medical assistance to the injured. However, rebuilding the affected areas and restoring normalcy will require substantial efforts from both the government and the community. The disaster has underscored the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for resilient infrastructure in vulnerable regions.
In times of such calamity, collective efforts can make a significant difference. The public is urged to support the rescue operations by providing information and avoiding panic. Donations to reputable organizations working on the ground can help provide immediate relief to the affected families.
For those seeking to assist directly, the Health Department has established a control room with helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 for emergency assistance.
The Wayanad landslides have brought immense tragedy and disruption to the lives of many. As rescue operations continue amid challenging weather conditions, the resilience and determination of the rescue teams and the affected community are commendable. The support from the government and various agencies is crucial in mitigating the impact of this disaster and aiding in the recovery process.
As we stand in solidarity with the people of Wayanad, it is a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the need for collective efforts in the face of natural calamities.
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