Wayanad landslides cut off villages, wash away homes, leave over 100 trapped; 26 bodies recovered

According to officials, many people were feared washed away in the Chaliyar River in the Nilambur region of Malappuram as landslides struck hilly areas near Meppadi early in the morning. Multiple landslides were reported in the Mundakkai and Chooralmala villages under Meppadi Panchayat.

The Chief Minister’s Office said two Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters will leave for Wayanad from Sulur in Coimbatore. Besides, two battalions of the Army’s Defence Security Corps have moved to Wayanad from Kannur.

Rescue workers, however, were yet to reach Mundakkai village as a bridge leading to the village was washed away, Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan said. A National Disaster Response Force team is engaged in erecting a temporary bridge and clearing the road. Two NDRF units will be brought to Wayanad from Bengaluru and Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu by noon.

Panchayat member K Babu from Mundakkai said many village residents were trapped and are awaiting rescue.

Mundakkai market has been nearly wiped out, and at least 40 houses have been buried under debris. Many of these were houses where tea estate workers lived.

According to Jilson, a staffer at TreeValley Resort in Mundakkai, the first landslide happened between 2.30 am and 3 am on Tuesday. After this, scores of families staying in the valley rushed to the resort. “We have around 120 villagers who sought asylum at the resort. We don’t know what happened to others in the village. Many of them have injuries. Available first aid has been administered to the most needy. The massive debris has changed the direction of a river flowing here. Vehicles and houses have been washed away,” he said.

The region has several resorts, but tourists were not accommodated in recent days after a weather alert from Wayanad district administration, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all assistance to the landslide-hit area. “Distressed the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there,” PM Modi posted on X.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also posted on X expressing his anguish over the massive landslides.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon. I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector, who assured me 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,” Rahul Gandhi said in the post.

“I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad. I urge all UDF workers to assist the administration in the rescue and relief operations,” Rahul said.

In 2020, Idukki district of the southern state witnessed a massive landslide which killed more than 40 people.