Around 63 people, including two children, have been killed, and over a hundred are feared trapped after major landslides hit hilly areas near Meppadi in Wayanad, Kerala, early Tuesday. The Kerala Disaster Management Authority said Fire force and National Disaster Response Force teams have been sent to help with the situation.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has confirmed that all government agencies are working together in the search and rescue efforts.
The operations will be coordinated, and state ministers will come to the hilly district to oversee the rescue activities, Chief Minister Vijayan said in a statement from his office.
Just 50 meters away from home 💔
A few neighbors are missing.. 😭 Visuals from Vilangad (Kozhikode District, Kerala).
Fire force and police are unable to reach the location due to heavy rain and landslide. The entire area is isolated.#KeralaRains @AsianetNewsML… pic.twitter.com/roxjsj4tbs
— AB George (@AbGeorge_) July 30, 2024
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has sent Fireforce and NDRF teams to the affected area, with another NDRF team on the way to Wayanad. Additionally, two teams from the Kannur Defence Security Corps are also heading to help with the rescue efforts, as announced on KSDMA’s Facebook page.
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After the landslide, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) announced that only essential vehicles are allowed to pass through the Thamarassery Pass. All other vehicles are banned to prevent traffic jams and ensure that rescue supplies reach Mundakai. Everyone has been asked to stay alert and help clear the roads.
Wayanad was previously the constituency of Rahul Gandhi, a senior Congress leader and current Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. In 2024, Rahul Gandhi won the Lok Sabha elections from both Raebareli and Wayanad, but he later gave up the Wayanad seat.
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