At least 143 people have been death and around 130 injured following devastating landslides in the hilly areas near Meppadi, Wayanad, Kerala.
The landslides, triggered by heavy rainfall, struck early on July 30, affecting villages like Mundakkai and Chooralmala.
Hundreds are feared trapped, with significant damage to infrastructure, including homes and roads. Rescue operations are ongoing, involving multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force and military personnel, despite challenges posed by unstable terrain and blocked access routes.
The Indian Army has rescued more than 700 individuals.
The Kerala government has declared a two-day mourning period and all public functions and celebrations have been postponed.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan evaluated the ongoing relief and rescue operations at Chooralmala, Wayanad, following the severe landslide, in a visit to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority office.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured all possible rescue operations to be coordinated in the landslides in Wayanad.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the landslides in parts of Wayanad. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin released Rs 5 crore for relief measures and also sent a rescue team to Kerala.
Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi will scheduled to visit Wayanad today to meet with families affected by the landslide and take stock of the situation.
Photo Credit: Indian Army
