In the early hours of Tuesday morning, catastrophic landslides near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district claimed at least 84 lives and left hundreds more feared trapped. The disaster has prompted an extensive and urgent rescue operation as emergency teams work relentlessly to locate and assist those affected.
Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George reported that over 70 people have sustained injuries from the landslides. In response, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has mobilized Fireforce and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, with additional NDRF personnel en route. Additionally, two teams from the Kannur Defence Security Corps have been deployed to bolster the rescue efforts.
Local residents are growing increasingly concerned as the possibility of more individuals being trapped under debris persists. To support the victims, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for each deceased person’s family and Rs. 50,000 for those injured.
Minister Veena George provided a somber update, stating, “We are making every possible effort to rescue those affected. We have received 24 bodies across various hospitals, and approximately 70 people are injured. We are committed to ensuring that all injured individuals receive the necessary medical treatment.”
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has confirmed that all government agencies are actively participating in the rescue operations. According to an ANI report, 225 Army personnel have been deployed to assist in the efforts.
The Health Department and National Health Mission have established a control room and issued emergency helpline numbers: 9656938689 and 8086010833, to provide aid and information.
In addition to ground support, the Indian Air Force has dispatched two helicopters—an Mi-17 and an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)—scheduled to depart from Sulur at 7:30 a.m. to enhance the rescue operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured full support from the central government in managing the crisis. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged all United Democratic Front (UDF) workers to contribute to the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
The rescue operation remains in full swing as authorities and emergency teams work to mitigate the impact of this devastating event.
