Wayanad, Kerala (July 30): In a devastating series of landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district near Meppadi, over 100 bodies have been recovered, with many more feared trapped under the debris. The first landslide struck around 2 am, followed by another at 4:30 am, trapping hundreds. The Kerala government has declared a two-day state mourning in response to the disaster, urging a collective effort to rebuild lives, akin to the recovery after the 2018 floods.
Rescue operations are in full swing, with 200 soldiers from the Defence Security Corps and a medical team deployed by the army. Additionally, two helicopters from the Air Force Station in Sulur are aiding the efforts. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that 45 relief camps have been established in the area, providing shelter for over 3,000 people. The Indian Army’s Canine Squad, including breeds like Belgian Malinois, Labradors, and German Shepherds, has also joined the rescue mission, using their keen sense of smell to locate survivors and victims.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh for the families of each deceased individual and Rs. 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Former Wayanad MP and Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, extended his condolences to the affected families. He urged the Union Government to provide comprehensive support for rescue and medical efforts and to promptly release compensation, suggesting an increase in the amount. Gandhi also called attention to the increasing frequency of landslides in Wayanad and the Western Ghats, stressing the urgency of mapping landslide-prone areas and implementing measures to prevent future disasters.
