Wayanad landslides: PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh compensation for deceased’s kin; Rahul Gandhi urges UDF workers to assist rescue ops

At least nineteen people, including an infant, were killed and several others are feared trapped after massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday morning.

Extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Rahul wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. 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.”

Urging the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the state to assist the administration in carrying out relief and rescue operations, he said that he will also “speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad.”

Vijayan, earlier, announced that all government agencies are involved in search and rescue operations following the landslides. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has mobilized Fireforce and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to the affected area where hundreds are suspected to be trapped. An additional NDRF team along with two teams from the Kannur Defence Security Corps are also on their way to assist. Heavy rainfall and destruction of a bridge to the affected village has hindered rescue efforts.

Kerala Minister Veena George, speaking to reporters about the current situation, said that at least 24 bodies were received by different hospitals, and those injured are currently receiving treatment. “It’s very unfortunate that early this morning around 3 am, massive landslides occurred in Wayanad, and rescue operations are going on. We are exploring everything possible to rescue the lives of our people. So far, we have received 24 bodies in different hospitals, and many are injured, they are under treatment,” George said.

“We have opened control rooms in health department and police department. The CM is himself monitoring entire situation in the state and he is giving instructions. We have sent more medicines to Wayanad,” George told news agency PTI.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, too, took to X, to express his anguish at the incident. He wrote: “I am deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to a landslide in Wayanad, Kerala. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. Praying for everyone’s safety and well-being.”

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, moreover, shared over X that his government is “willing to extend any logistical or manpower support that may be needed in this hour of crisis” to their “brother state.”

“Deeply pained to learn about the massive landslides in #Wayanad and the consequent loss of priceless lives. I am given to understand that many people are still trapped in the area. I am sure the rescue operations that are in full swing will save them all. The government of Tamil Nadu is willing to extend any logistical or manpower support that may be needed in this hour of crisis to our brother state #Kerala,” he wrote on the social media platform.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, meanwhile, expressed his deep concern over the deaths in the incident. He said that the NDRF is conducting search and rescue operations on a war footing. He also said that a second team of the NDRF is on its way to further strengthen the operation.

“Deeply concerned by the incidents of landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. The NDRF is conducting search and rescue operations on a war footing. The second team is on its way to further strengthen the response operation. My condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he wrote on X.

From the homepage

US revoked visas of Indian business executives over link to fentanyl trade: Embassy

‘I respect all religions’: CJI Gavai on critical social media posts over his comments in Khajuraho case

France’s Macron to submit ‘photographic, scientific evidence’ that wife Brigitte is a woman