Congress leader and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi expressed his deep anguish over the calamity and extended his condolences to the families who lost loved ones.
At least 43 people have died, and hundreds are feared trapped after three landslides struck Kerala’s Wayanad district within four hours during heavy rain. Multiple agencies, including the NDRF, have joined the rescue operations in the hilly areas near Meppadi.
Here are 10 updates on this major story:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, assuring all possible assistance to the LDF government. He has also instructed BJP chief JP Nadda to ensure that party workers participate in the rescue efforts. Additionally, the Prime Minister has communicated with Union Minister Suresh Gopi, the BJP’s sole Kerala MP, regarding the situation.
- “Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones, and my prayers are with those injured. Rescue operations are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre in light of the prevailing situation,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
- The Prime Minister’s Office has announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those killed in the calamity, and ₹50,000 for those injured.
- Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has stated that all agencies have joined the rescue operation in Wayanad. State ministers will coordinate the rescue efforts, he said in a statement.
- In addition to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and NDRF, the Kannur Defence Security Corps are set to join the rescue operations. The Chief Minister also mentioned that two Air Force helicopters will depart for Wayanad shortly to assist in the efforts.
- Congress leader and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi expressed his deep anguish over the calamity and extended his condolences to the families who lost loved ones. “I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon,” he said in a post on X.
- Mr. Gandhi mentioned that he had spoken to the Chief Minister and the district collector, who assured him 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,” he added, urging UDF workers to assist the administration.
- Authorities have identified Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha as the affected areas. Many roads have collapsed, a bridge has been swept away, and several areas have become unreachable, Health Minister Veena George told ANI. “We have to re-establish connectivity. Helicopters will also be brought in, but the weather is bad,” she added.
- UDF MLA T Siddique reported that district authorities are drawing up plans to airlift people from Mundakkai, as reported by PTI. “Currently, we have no complete information about those missing and dead in the landslides. Many areas have been cut off. NDRF personnel are trying to reach those places,” he said.
- The Chief Minister announced that the state Health Department has opened a control room. Those in need of emergency assistance can contact authorities on helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833.