93 Killed in Wayanad Landslides as Kerala Braces for More Rain

93 Killed in Wayanad Landslides as Kerala Braces for More Rain

Prime Minister Modi Assures Aid to Kerala Government

30.07.2024:  At least 93 people have lost their lives and hundreds are feared trapped after three devastating landslides struck Kerala’s Wayanad district within four hours amid heavy rain. Multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have joined the rescue operations in the hilly areas near Meppadi.

Here are 10 critical updates from this major disaster:

1. Death Toll and Rescue Efforts: At least 93 people have died, and hundreds are feared trapped after three landslides hit Wayanad district amid heavy rain. Multiple agencies, including the NDRF, are actively engaged in rescue operations.
2. Injuries and Hospitalization: About 116 people have been injured and admitted to hospitals in the district. The state’s ministers are coordinating relief and rescue operations.
3. Prime Minister’s Assurance: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan this morning, assuring all possible help to the LDF government. He also directed BJP chief JP Nadda to ensure party workers assist in rescue efforts. Additionally, he has communicated with Union Minister Suresh Gopi, BJP’s lone Kerala MP, regarding the situation.
4. Prime Minister’s Statement: “Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones, and prayers are with the injured. Rescue operations are currently underway to assist all those affected,” Prime Minister Modi stated in a post on X.
5. Compensation Announcement: 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.
6. Rahul Gandhi’s Response: Congress leader and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi expressed his deep anguish over the calamity and condolences to the affected families. He hopes for the swift rescue of those still trapped.
7. Rescue Coordination: Rahul Gandhi has spoken to the Chief Minister and the district collector, who assured him that rescue operations are underway. He urged UDF workers to assist the administration and ensure effective coordination with all agencies.
8. Affected Areas: Authorities have identified Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha as the most affected areas. Roads have collapsed, a bridge has been swept away, and several regions have become unreachable, according to Health Minister Veena George.
9. Emergency Control Room: The state Health Department has opened a control room. Those in need of emergency assistance can contact authorities at helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833.
10. Weather Alert: Amid the ongoing disaster, Kerala is bracing for more rain. The weather office has issued a red alert for eight districts, including Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod. Four other districts, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam, are under orange alert.

11.  Source – NDTV