Anand Mahindra: In a tragic turn of events, massive landslides struck several hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad district early on Tuesday, July 30. The Kerala Revenue Department has reported that the death toll has now risen to 158.
Amid the disaster, Anand Mahindra, chairperson of Mahindra and Mahindra, announced his commitment to aid in the relief efforts. "Wayanad is a paradise on earth. To see it devastated by landslides with many lives lost is a tragedy. Our hearts are with the people of Wayanad, and we will do whatever we can in the relief effort," Mahindra stated in a post on X, sharing several poignant images of the affected region.
Triggered by torrential rainfall, the landslides caused significant destruction as permanent structures were washed away. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Wayanad and three other districts — Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Kasarago — warning of severe weather conditions.
Rescue operations are in full swing, with soldiers from the 122 Infantry Battalion of the Territorial Army preparing for their second day of efforts to reach calamity-hit areas in Meppadi. The soldiers are currently stationed at a local school, which has been converted into a temporary shelter.
In addition to the red alert for Wayanad and other districts, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad, indicating the likelihood of further severe weather conditions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern over the disaster and is in communication with Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan. "Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue operations are currently underway to assist all those affected," Modi tweeted on Tuesday.