Wayanad Landslide LIVE Updates: Death Toll Rises To 167, Says Kerala Govt
Wayanad Landslide LIVE Updates: Multiple landslides hit Wayanad with the first at 1 am in Mundakkai and another at 4 am in Chooral Mala. A bridge has washed away.
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Background
Wayanad Landslide LIVE Updates: Over 140 people have lost their lives and hundreds suffered injuries in the massive landslides that hit hilly regions near Meppadi of Wayanad in Kerala on Tuesday. Reports indicate that around 400 families are trapped in several areas of Churalmala. Health Minister Veena George said all available health officials in and around the district are being mobilised. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held discussions with top Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) officials in the state capital.
In Wayanad, huge boulders have rolled down the hills obstructing rescue efforts. Despite heavy rains, rescuers are working to move the dead and injured into ambulances. The combination of landslides, uprooted trees and floodwaters washing away green areas has left the affected villages desolate.
The landslides occurred around 2 a.m., leaving the area cut off. The worst-hit areas include Churalpara, Velarimala, Mundakayil, and Pothukalu.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George stated, "We are trying every possible thing to rescue our people. We have ensured proper treatment of the injured. Teams of NDRF and Civil Defence are present; a team of Navy will also be reaching soon. A bridge in the area has also washed away."
The Harrison Malayalam plant is another isolated area. Its general manager reported that a few managers are missing, while several labourers have been moved to safer places.
A team from the Territorial Army and their medical unit from Kozhikode are on their way to Wayanad. Due to inclement weather, two helicopters were unable to land in the affected areas and are waiting at Kozhikode.
In a post on X, Modi said, "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 ops are currently underway to assist all those affected."
"Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there," he said.
Wayanad Landslide LIVE Updates: 'Karnataka Is Looking Forward To Support Kerala,' Says Minister Santosh Lad
Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad said that the state sympathizes with Kerala and is looking forward to supporting the state, hit by the deadly landslides in Wayanad.
"First of all, I would like to lend the Karnataka government's support to Kerala; CM Siddaramaiah has sent me here, along with the entire team. The entire Karnataka has a lot of sympathy and we are looking forward to support Kerala. As of now, as per the information I have received, 254 people have lost their lives. Out of this, three people were from Karnataka," he said.
Wayanad Landslide LIVE Updates: Search & Rescue Ops Underway At Chooralmala
Search and rescue operations continue at landslide-affected Chooralmala in Wayanad, Kerala. The death toll stands at 167.
#WATCH | Kerala: Search and rescue operations continue at landslide-affected Chooralmala in Wayanad.
— ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2024
The death toll stands at 167.
(Earlier visuals; Source: PRD Kannur) pic.twitter.com/Euy7PKphcN
Wayanad Landslide LIVE Updates: 'Not The Time To Blame Each Other', Says Kerala CM
Kerala CM Vijayan refuted Union Minister Amit Shah's assertion that the state had been warned earlier about the potential natural calamity in Wayanad. Vijayan stated: "This is not the time to blame each other. However, reports from the Rajya Sabha claimed they had issued a warning, and Kerala did not respond accordingly."
Rahul Gandhi Didn't Raise Issue Of Landslides And Floods Even Once In Parl: Tejasvi Surya
He also said, "In 2020, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority advised relocating 4,000 families from landslide-prone areas in Wayanad. Till today no action was taken and the MP representing Wayanad did not even raise this issue till today. Kerala's Forest Minister in the Assembly admits that they are unable to remove illegal encroachment because they had pressure from various religious organizations..."
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan Visits Landslides-Hit Wayanad
VIDEO | Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan visits landslides-hit Wayanad. pic.twitter.com/TtNTLQ5fXG
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 31, 2024