Wayanad landslides: Heavy rains triggered a series of massive landslides in the hilly regions of Kerala's Wayanad district early on Tuesday, leading to loss of lives and widespread devastation. Over 80 bodies have been recovered as rescue operations continue, and at least 116 people have been reported injured. The numbers will likely increase as many are still feared trapped under the debris.
As many as nine bodies swept away by the Chaliyar River were recovered in Malappuram.
Here are some videos and photos that show the catastrophic impact of landslides in this southern state.
Congress leader and former Director General of Police Karuna Sagar posted a clip of the calamitous landslide that wreaked havoc in the region. The state government has sent rescue personnel, medical equipment, and health workers to Vythiri, Mananthawadi, Kalpetta, and Meppadi government hospitals.
In response to the dire situation in Kerala, the Indian Navy sent a team from the Ezhimala Naval Base in Kannur to assist in rescue operations, according to the Chief Minister's Office. Kerala Chief Minister Pinrayi Vijayan sought the help of the Navy's River Crossing team following torrential rains that led to devastating landslides.
The collapse of the main bridge in Chooralmala town hampered the rescue operations. Meanwhile, the Army and Air Force also joined the rescue efforts, using drones and dog squads for search and rescue operations.
"The Malayangadu Bridge has been swept away by a landslide in the Vilaangadu Malayangad side. Four houses have been damaged, and 12 families are stranded with the bridge gone. One person is missing," ANI quoted Congress MP from Vadakara Shafi Parambil as saying.
As the events unfolded in Wayanad, members of the Congress and Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M) in Parliament demanded that the fatal landslides be declared a ‘national disaster’. CPI-M MP John Brittas sought assistance from the Defence, Home, and Finance Ministries.
