A series of landslides struck Wayanad resulting in 60 fatalities and 70 people being hospitalised due to injuries on Tuesday. The initial landslide occurred in Mundakkai followed by another near Chooralamala School in the wee hours of the day. Additionally, around 400 families have been cut off due to a bridge collapse in Chooralamala Town.
The landslides, which began early in the day, caused significant damage, destroying homes, swelling water bodies, and uprooting trees. The scenic villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha are now isolated, leaving residents stranded.
In the dire situation, villagers faced insurmountable challenges in reaching the stranded people due to the strong currents and marshy terrain. Temporary metal bridges set up to aid the elderly residents and others cut off by the landslides. Against this backdrop, authorities have been urged to intensify their rescue efforts as the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the catastrophic landslides.
As the rescue mission unfolds, many in the affected areas have been seen clinging to one another to avoid being swept away.
Man Washed Away In Current, Clings On Boulder In Mundakkai
In Mundakkai village of Kerala's Wayanad district, a man was seen clinging desperately to a massive boulder in floodwaters as landslides wreaked havoc on Tuesday. The man, who appeared covered in mud and unable to move or swim to safety due to the thick marsh and powerful currents, was captured in harrowing visuals shared by locals and aired on television.
The man, believed to have been swept away by the raging floodwaters found himself trapped between large boulders. The scene was first noticed by Raghavan, a block panchayat member at around 7:30 am.
"He is still continuing his attempt not to get carried away by the flood waters and trying to stand in the thick marsh," Raghavan said.