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.
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.
Search and rescue operations continue at landslide-affected Chooralmala in Wayanad, Kerala. The death toll stands at 167.
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."
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..."
On Union Home Minister's speech in Parliament, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said, "To reiterate, this is not a time for blaming each other. We are currently confronting a disaster, and many people are left in desperate and destitute conditions. Act now to rescue those who can be saved and locate those who are buried. Push hard to restore the area and rebuild the lost village. Keeping everything together is crucial at this critical moment. At this moment, we urge everyone to come forward to support Kerala."
On the ex gratia to the kin of victims, Union Minister George Kurian said, "A compensation has been already declared by the PM - Rs 2 lakh would be given to kin of deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. Rescue operations are being done by the central forces."
"The central forces - Army, Air Force, Navy and NDRF - are here. The rescue operation is very important at this moment," he said.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said that no red alerts were sounded for Wayanad ahead of landslides which witnessed extremely heavy rainfall before disaster struck.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said, "The cabinet meeting evaluated the situation. We are relocating tribal families and providing food to those who are not ready to move. A total of 1,592 people have been rescued through our extensive and coordinated rescue operations. Currently, there are 82 relief camps in Wayanad district, accommodating 2,017 individuals. In Meppadi, eight camps are housing 1,486 people from 421 families."
"Priority is being given to rescue operations in Mundakkai, and efforts are progressing well in Attamala and Chooralmala as well. Today, an additional 132 army personnel have arrived to support the rescue efforts. Two helicopters are also being utilized for the rescue operations. Post-mortems were conducted both yesterday and last night. A team of doctors from four cooperative hospitals, including those in Kozhikode and Thalassery, will also arrive to assist," he said.
In a press release on Wednesday, Airtel said that it stands in solidarity with the people affected by the landslide in Wayanad, Kerala. Stating that as a gesture to support communities in distress, Airtel announced the free calling and data in the region.
Speaking on Wayanad landslides in Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "I have only one request that all State governments should take preventive action following early warnings issued to them. I want to assure the people of Kerala that the Govt of India is standing like a rock with the state government and we will spare no effort for relief and rehabilitation."
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said that rescue operations were conducted in full swing in Wayanad.
"This is an unprecedented and painful disaster. So far, 144 bodies have been recovered- 79 men and 64 women. There are still 191 people missing. Efforts are being made to evacuate as many people as possible from the disaster area, and necessary medical treatment is being provided to those who have been rescued," he said.
On the Wayanad landslide, LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said, "It is a huge tragedy in Wayanad and the military is doing a good job there. I think it is important that we support the people of Wayanad and I request the Govt to help the people of Wayanad. It is the second time this tragedy has taken place, this took place 5 years ago as well. It is clear that this area has an ecological issue, so this should be looked into and whatever hi-tech solution can be brought forward, will be good."
Mundakayilak was left isolated by the landslide. A special Air Force plane arrived at Kannur International Airport with materials needed for constructing a temporary bridge from Chooralmala. A second Air Force aircraft arrived on Wednesday. Under the leadership of the Department of Motor Vehicles, these materials will be transported to Chooralmala in 17 trucks.
On Wayanad landslide and rescue operations, Congress MLA and KPCC General Secretary T Siddique said, "The situation is very bad, the rescue operations are in full swing. Army personnel, NDRF, civil defence personnel are on the job...around 35 bodies were recovered from 25 km away, from nearby Nilambur, the landslide happened at Mundakkai. So we need to search these areas as well...labourers from other states were also working here, we don't have their data...immediate goals are to rescue people and recover the bodies and trauma management of rescued people and children ..."
In Wayanad, rescue dogs are likely to join rescue operations. The dogs are expected to support in searching humans under the landmass.
On Wayanad landslide, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha said, "An early warning was given to Kerala govt on July 23 and again on July 24."
Nine NDRF teams were sent in Kerala in advance but Kerala govt did not evacuate people in time, he said.
The military personnel intensified search and rescue operations in Kerala's Wayanad district on Wednesday, where landslides have claimed over 150 lives. The Army reported recovering around 70 bodies and rescuing nearly 1,000 people.
Kerala Chief Secretary V Venu announced that the construction of the Bailey Bridge, crucial for rescue operations in the landslide-hit Mundakkai area, will not be completed by Wednesday as initially planned. The completion of the bridge is now expected on Thursday, further delaying search efforts.
In Kerala, IMD issued orange alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.
It issued yellow alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad, Meanwhile, no rain warnings issued for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said, "This is a colossal tragedy. Whatever is possible to be done is being done by the agencies... the state agencies, defence forces, Army, Navy, Air Force, all agencies are involved. Our heart goes out to the people. I have decided, if possible, I will visit the areas, particularly the relief camps. I would like to endorse what our CM said that Kerala, even earlier in 2018, 2019 when it was hit by heavy floods, the people of Kerala stood to the occasion, and they had come forward... to deal with this kind of massive tragedy we need help from every side."
Isha Founder Sadhguru said, "Deeply pained by the devastating loss of life in scenic Wayanad. Heartfelt condolences to all bereaved. A time for all of us to stand in solidarity with the state of Kerala & ensure we restore scenic Wayanad to its original beauty as quickly as possible. Blessings to all involved in rescue & relief missions."
Indian Coast Guard is actively engaged in the rescue and relief operations for those affected by the landslide in Wayanad. ICG Disaster Relief Team Kochi & Beypore are on the ground, providing aid and support.
The review meeting called by CM Pinarayi Vijayan has started at the State Disaster Management Authority headquarters. The in-charges of various departments leading the rescue operation are participating online.
The death toll in Wayanad landslides rises to 158, says the State Revenue Department.
After inspecting the affected places, Union Minister George Kurian said, "The situation is being monitored by the central government at the highest level. The Honourable Prime Minister is monitoring the situation and has deputed me to visit the affected areas.
"Both control rooms of the Ministry of Home Affairs are monitoring the situation 24x7 and providing all possible assistance to the state," he is quoted as saying in a press release in Wayanad on Wednesday.
Currently, 45 relief camps in Wayanad are providing shelter to 3,069 people. Rescue agencies resumed their operations early Wednesday to search for people possibly trapped under the landslide debris. The tragedy has already claimed the lives of at least 123 individuals and injured 186 others, with fears that the death toll may rise.
In the wake of the catastrophic landslides that struck Wayanad, Kerala, district authorities began collecting data on Wednesday to determine the number of people missing.
The move comes as rescue operations have resumed to locate those feared trapped under the debris.
The Union Minister George Kurien assessed the area affected by the landslides and visited the victims at the relief camps.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore expressed pain over the Wayanad landslide stating that LoP Rahul Gandhi demanded Central Government support for Kerala.
Manickam Tagore said, "LoP Rahul Gandhi who loves Wayanad had raised this issue in Parliament and demanded that the support to Kerala Government is needed from the Central Government. The Central Government assured, through the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. India stands with Kerala and Wayanad in this deep pain. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were supposed to travel in the early morning (to Wayanad) but because of the weather conditions, they postponed it. They will go whenever things settle down. We all know that they care more about the people of Wayanad for the love and affection they have shown to the Gandhis."
Kerala Public Relations Department said, "A team headed by Lt. Commandant Ashirvad has reached. There are 45 sailors, five officers, 6 fire guards and a doctor in the group."
Earlier, plans of Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi's visit Wayanad was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George was involved in a minor accident near Manjeri, Malappuram district, while en route to Wayanad. As George suffered minor injuries, she was immediately provided treatment at Manjeri Medical college.
An injured being rescued in Chooralmala of Wayanad district. The landslides caused by heavy monsoon rains resulted in 123 deaths and over 180 injuries.
In the Wayanad landslide, Kerala State Revenue Department said, death toll climbed to 148.
A victim of a Wayanad landslide said that she became stranded and was rescued by people who broke open her house. In the second landslide, she said that her house was swept away and all her relatives died.
A victim of Wayanad landslide said, “ I stay alone at my home, at night I felt like my bed is shaking and heard loud noises…I tried to call my neighbours but nobody picked up the phone…I called my son who stays in Coimbatore and he asked me to climb on top of the house and stay there. I couldn’t open the door as it was jammed. I yelled for help…after sometime people came and broke the door with an axe and rescued me…when the second landslide came, my house also got swept away. My relatives stayed in Mundakkai. They all died, 2 of their bodies have been recovered, rest 6-7 are missing. Now I don’t have a home, or land and can’t go for a job either. I won’t be able to build a home. I don’t know what to do”
In the multiple landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district, the death toll has risen to 143, leaving hundreds injured and trapped.
The search and rescue operations are underway at Chooralmala in Wayanad.
A landslide that occurred in Wayanad on Tuesday claimed the lives of 143 people.
Col Paramvir Singh Nagra, Commandant DSC centre, suggests putting rescue operations on hold as it’s getting dark and unsafe.
“We are having a coordination meeting. Then will decide the actions for tomorrow. And till the time the bridge comes over here, the temporary bridge is not that safe for the civilian to cross over. So I suggest we should hold. Once the daylight is there we should put the efforts," he said, as per PTI.
Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and Congress party's Wayanad Lok Sabha nominee Priyanka Gandhi's visit was deferred due to weather conditions.
"Priyanka and I were scheduled to visit Wayanad tomorrow to meet with families affected by the landslide and take stock of the situation. However, due to incessant rains and adverse weather conditions we have been informed by authorities that we will not be able to land. I want to assure the people of Wayanad that we will visit as soon as possible. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide all necessary assistance. Our thoughts are with the people of Wayanad at this difficult time," Rahul Gandhi posted on X.
The catastrophe has resulted in the loss of 108 lives, with 128 individuals injured and receiving treatment in various hospitals: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan (ANI)
Malappuram district police chief S Sasidharan tells ANI, "Today we conducted an in-depth search. We could find some 50 bodies or parts of bodies. The postmortem is going on. Tomorrow also we are going to search with NDRF and other police departments... We are trying to trace out the maximum number of bodies... We have requested the police surgeon to take samples for DNA analysis..."
Heavy rainfall leads to a landslide in Wayanad claiming the lives of 93 people.
Wayanad landslide: A survivor Mustafa Ahmed tells ANI, "At around 1:40 AM, there was a loud sound and a house around 30 metres away from my room completely collapsed. Since we were not sleeping, we ran out immediately. Several people have been trapped in this incident. People from an entire village have been trapped. I have been rescued, it feels good..."
"Egypt expresses its full solidarity with the friendly government & people of India following the landslides in Wayanad. Egypt extends its sincere condolences to the victims’ families & wishes a speedy recovery to the injured @DrSJaishankar," posts Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt.
Drone visuals from the spot where massive landslides were triggered by torrential rains in Wayanad earlier today. Meanwhile, the Death toll has risen to 123 in landslides in Kerala's Wayanad, news agency PTI cited Govt sources as informing.
Fire Officer, Chooralmala, Rakesh told ANI, "The landslide occurred very early in the morning today. Many houses have been washed away and 800 people are trapped...We made a temporary bridge and evacuated 700 people...We plan to stop the rescue for today..."
Wayanad landslide: "Tomorrow he (Rahul Gandhi) is going to Wayanad along with the Congress leaders where he will meet the people and visit the landslide area," Congress MP K Suresh told PTI.
Latest visuals of the rescue operation in Chooralmala area of Wayanad where a landslide occurred earlier today claiming the lives of over 93 people.
Team Commander, SI Sanjay Soni, NDRF, tells ANI, "The search operation started this morning...We connected the search operation and we recovered some diseased body and their parts...The operation will resume tomorrow morning at 07:00. Three diseased bodies and some body parts are recovered...We are going to search the area that is around 78 km ahead of the area which we searched today..."
In response to the landslide disaster in Wayanad, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) District Headquarters (Kerala & Mahe) and ICG Station Beypore have dispatched Disaster Relief Teams (DRT) to the affected area. The teams are mobilized to provide immediate relief and support to the communities impacted by the disaster. The relief team comprises highly trained ICG personnel and a dedicated medical team. The team is equipped with essential disaster relief materials such as Rubber inflatable boats for rescue operations, Diesel-driven pumps to manage water and drainage issues, Life jackets for safety, Raincoats and gum boots for personnel protection in adverse weather conditions and other earth-clearing implements for clearing debris and accessing affected areas.
Helicopter of the Indian Air Force carries out a rescue operation in the Chooralmala area of Wayanad
On the rescue operation at the Wayanad landslide site, Defence PRO Sudha S. Namboothiri tells ANI, "...Around 130 soldiers are moving ahead towards Wayanad. Most of them will be airlifted by Indian Air Force aircraft and the rest will be proceeding on the road...Defence Security Corps Centre Kannur with its 200 soldiers have already gone there and the Territorial Army 122 infantry battalion Madras, they are also there...It seems ward number ten is in a really bad shape and they have been doing their best..."
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan says "Kerala Bank has already contributed Rs 50 lakh to CMDRF. The Cochin International Airport (CIAL)* has pledged Rs 2 crore, and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has promised Rs 5 crore in aid. In response to the disaster in Wayanad, the state has declared two days of official mourning. Public events and celebrations have been postponed. We request that the national flag be flown at half-mast as part of the mourning period."
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan says "321 members of the Fire Force have been deployed in Wayanad. The services of the Army have also been made available. An NDRF team of 60 members has reached Wayanad, and an 89-member team from Bengaluru is on the way. Upon learning of the disaster, both the Prime Minister and Rahul Gandhi, along with various party leaders, have offered their assistance. They have assured us that we will work together to address this crisis."
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan says, "We have arranged the best possible treatment for the injured. Many people are still trapped under the debris. We have opened 45 relief camps in Wayanad and a total of 118 camps across the state, accommodating 5,531 people. The fire force, NDRF, and police are working together. Various divisions of the Army and Navy are coordinating the rescue operations."
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan says "The landslide in Wayanad is a heart-wrenching disaster. There was extremely heavy rainfall. An entire area has been wiped out. We have recovered 93 bodies so far, but the numbers may change. There are 128 people receiving treatment for injuries. Many who went to sleep last night have been swept away."
Indian Army, NDRF carries out a rescue operation in the Chooralmala area of Wayanad.
AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi tells ANI, "The landslide incident of Wayanad is natural. It has a natural cause but we cannot call the frequent train accidents normal. The government is at fault in this case as they are not able to prevent such incidents. These accidents are causing loss of lives and railway property. It is also causing a big political loss to the BJP..."
Indian Army column reached the landslide site at Chooralmala by 1200 hours. Using ropes, soldiers are being ferried across the river which is in spate to assist and carry out rescue efforts in Ward No 10 of Chooralmala: Indian Army officials
Death toll rises to 84, a total of 116 injuries reported so far: Kerala Revenue Minister's office (ANI)
Kerala government declares official mourning in the state today and tomorrow after at least 70 people lost their lives in a landslide incident in Wayanad, ANI reported.
Former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi on the landslide, "The devastation unfolding in Wayanad is heartbreaking. I have urged the Union government in Parliament to extend all possible support, including increased compensation and its immediate release to the bereaved families."
"Our country has witnessed an alarming rise in landslides in recent years. The need of the hour is a comprehensive action plan to address the growing frequency of natural calamities in our ecologically fragile regions," he added.
Kerala: Latest visuals from the spot in rain-ravaged and landslide hit Chooralmala area of Wayanad. The landslide claimed the lives of over 70 people.
Kerala government has announced an official mourning in the state today (Tuesday) and tomorrow (Wednesday.
During this period, the national flag would be flown at half mast. The state government's official events and celebrations have been postponed for the next two days.
In Kerala, several rivers are in full spate. As a result, a full spate river damaged bridge in rain-ravaged Palakkad
Congress MP Jebi Mather demanded Centre to declare Wayanad landslide as natural disaster and release Rs 5000 crore package.
In the Parliament, Congress MP Jebi Mather said, "The Wayanad tragedy, the landslide, the devastation cannot be measured now at the moment. It is vast and devastating. The government should immediately declare this a natural disaster and provide a Rs 5000 Cr package. A bridge has collapsed. Now a temporary bridge has to be constructed, and the NDRF and helicopter should be deployed immediately."
In Wayanad landslide, Kerala Revenue Minister's office said, "Death toll rises to 63, a total of 116 injuries reported so far."
The India Meterological Department said that Kerala experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy Rainfall during past 24 hours.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah interacted with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the wake of Wayanad Landslide. Taking stock of the situation in the district, the Home Minister also assured all possible help from the Centre government.
In the Wayanad landslides, the death toll has reached 60 on Tuesday.
In the rain-ravaged and landslide hit Chooralmala area of Wayanad, Kerala Minister AK Saseendran assessed damaged and relief efforts.
Thiruvananthapuram Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, "It's a serious matter. I got the news early in the morning and I had immediately issued a public appeal that apart from praying for the lives of those who are trapped, we should get urgent rescue efforts underway. The state government has already sent their rescue team, but the Central government needs to help as well. I had appealed publicly to the Prime Minister to send the NDRF because they are the absolutely the key experts in this matter."
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi expressed deep anguish over the landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad, offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and hoping for the safe rescue of those trapped. Rahul Gandhi said, "I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon."
"I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector, who assured me that rescue operations are underway. I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts. I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad," he said. Rahul Gandhi urged all UDF workers to assist the administration in the rescue and relief operations.
Maya and Murphy, the police dogs, are likely to go to the landslide disaster area in Wayanad. Maya and Murphy are dogs trained to find human bodies from underground. They are expected to reach Wayanad in the afternoon.
These dogs are trained to detect human bodies from 30 feet away. Earlier, it was a police dog named Maya who found 8 dead bodies in the Pettimudi disaster.
In the wake of Wayanad landslide, Department of Information and Public Relations have opened district and state-level media control rooms.
The Department of Information and Public Relations said, "To aid the Wayanad landslide relief efforts, the Department of Information and Public Relations (PRD) has opened district and state-level media control rooms. The contact number is 0483-2734387. The state-level control room, located at the Secretariat, can be reached at 0471-2327628 or 2518637."
On Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for four districts including Wayanad.
The IMD also issued red alert to Kozhikode, Malappuram and Kasaragod in the state on Tuesday.
(For More Updates READ: Wayanad Landslides: Toll Rises To 19, Army Steps Up Rescue Efforts As Hundreds Remain Trapped)
In Wayanad, a naval team is likely to arrive from Ezhimala for rescue operations. The navy's help was requested as per the instructions of the Chief Minister.
A team of Army personnel have left for landslide-hit Wayanad from Kannur to carry out search and rescue operation.
In connection with Wayanad landslide, a control room has started working in Chooralmala.
control room numbers
Deputy Collector- 8547616025
Tehsildar Vaithiri - 8547616601
Kalpetta joint B. office - 9961289892
Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector - 9383405093
Fire Force Assistant Station Officer - 9497920271
Vaithiri Taluk Office Deputy Tehsildar - 9447350688
In the wake of the Wayanad disaster, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ordered the postponement of all public programs of the state government today
The Army's engineering group is likely to soon reach Wayanad for rescue and related operations in the landslide-hit area. The Army's Madras Engineering Group (MEG) will arrive from Bangalore.
In the event of a landslide, the engineering department of the army will implement the alternative system.
Currently, NDRF, Fire, Police and Revenue department are on the field undertaking rescue efforts in full-swing on Tuesday.
Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan's office said, "Around 101 people rescued till now. Shelter camp set up at Bathery St Mary’s SKMJ School in Kalpetta. Medical teams and ambulances are present and food and clothing are also arranged. There is a requirement for earth excavators."
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.
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