Wayanad Landslide Highlights: Death toll mounts to 167; CM Vijayan junks Amit Shah’s claim, says no red alert sounded before disaster

On July 23, the Union government issued an early warning of rainfall and potential landslides to the Kerala government. Home Minister Amit Shah informed the Rajya Sabha that nine NDRF teams were dispatched on the same day.

Wayanad is reeling from a devastating landslide that struck on July 30, claiming the lives of at least 156 people while they were asleep. Unanticipated heavy rains caused hillsides to collapse, unleashing torrents of mud, water, and boulders in a catastrophic deluge.

This morning, soldiers from the 122 Infantry Battalion recovered two additional bodies from the debris in Mundakkai village. The bodies have been transferred to the Civil Hospitals. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to rescue stranded individuals from two resorts in Mundakkai.

A couple from Karnataka who were working in a tea estate near Wayanad, Kerala, were among the deceased in the massive landslides that rattled the district on Tuesday.

The deceased identified as Rathnamma, 45, and her husband Rajendra, 55, are residents of Nagavalli village in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar taluk, authorities said.

Over 150 people have been killed in the devastating multiple landslides that struck the hilly areas after torrential rains triggered torrents of mud and water that swept through tea estates and villages. Continue reading...

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said on Wednesday, "We all have taken Wayanad situation seriously. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will visit there. Workers of our party are also helping in the ongoing rehabilitation work. It is a national disaster, and everyone should work together. I said this issue in Rajya Sabha yesterday and the Chairman (Rajya Sabha) and JP Nadda, from the government side, also promised that no stone will be left unturned for relief and rescue of people in Wayanad."

Kerala Health Minister Veena George was involved in an accident near Manjeri here on Wednesday morning while she was travelling to the landslide-hit Wayanad district to coordinate the rescue operations there.

According to police, the accident occurred around 7.10 am when the minister's vehicle reportedly hit a two-wheeler.

The minister was taken to the government medical college in Manjeri, police said, adding that her condition was not serious.

More details of the accident are awaited. (PTI)

According to reports from rescue teams, the search operation for those trapped in the landslide sites began early Wednesday. The latest updates confirm that the death toll has risen to 156 and many are still missing.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed grief over the loss of lives due to landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. He stated, "Karnataka is committed to providing all possible help to Kerala in this challenging time. Let's stand united and strong."

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Kerala MPs K C Venugopal, E T Mohd Basheer and MK Raghavan will go to Wayanadu tomorrow morning.

For the rescue operation in Wayanad, the army has deployed 200 soldiers of the defence security corps and the medical team. At least 250 people are stranded in the landslide hit areas.

Two helicopters from Air Force Station Sulur have been despatched for rescue operations. Weather over the affected area is adverse, said Defence Pro.

LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urged the government to release funds and increase compensation to victims’ families. “There has been an alarming rise in landslides in Wayanad and the Western Ghats. There needs to be an immediate mapping of prone areas and ways to mitigate such natural disasters,” he said.

A team of Army personnel have left for landslide-hit Wayanad from Kannur to carry out a search and rescue operation.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited the Kerala State Disaster Management Office on Tuesday to assess ongoing relief and rescue operations at Chooralmala, Wayanad, following the severe landslide.

Kerala Minister A.K. Saseendran visits the injured in the Wayanad landslide at the Meppady Hospital on Tuesday.

Congress MP KC Venugopal has given an adjournment Motion notice in Lok Sabha regarding the massive landslide in Wayanad. He urges immediate search and rescue measures.

Fifteen bodies of Wayanad landslide victims recovered from Chaliyar River Sy Pothukallu in Malappuram. More bodies are still being fished out, said Pothukallu police.

A tributary of the Chaliyar River flows from the Meppadi hills of Wayanad, where a chain of landslides occurred today.

In response to a severe landslide in Kerala's Wayanad district, the state government has sought assistance from the Indian Army. According to PTI, a team from the 122 Infantry Battalion (TA) MADRAS, comprising 43 members—including a Medical Officer, two Junior Commissioned Officers, and 40 soldiers—has been deployed to aid in the rescue efforts.

The landslide has caused extensive damage, destroying homes, swelling water bodies, and uprooting trees. Villages such as Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha have been isolated, with many residents stranded.

A red alert has been issued for the districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kasaragod, and Kannur, as reported by Manorama.

K. Babu, a member of the Mundakkai panchayat, reports that rescue efforts have not yet reached the village, which has been severely affected. The bridges and roads leading to the village have been washed away, leaving many people still trapped. Those who are safe in the village are doing everything they can to help, but so far, no one has been able to be evacuated.

Congress leader Priyanka Vadra Gandhi shared her concerns saying "I am deeply saddened to see the devastation caused by the massive landslide near Meppadi, Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones. I hope and pray that everyone is brought to safety as soon as possible. I urge the government to take immediate action to expedite relief and rescue operations and request UDF workers to step forward to do all they can to be of support and comfort to all those affected by this tragedy."

Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan said on Tuesday that rescue operators are yet to reach the landslide site in Mundakkai. A bridge leading to the village washed away. The NDRF team is engaged in erecting a temporary bridge and clearing the road. Two units of NDRF will be brought to Wayanad from Bengaluru and Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu by noon.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed profound sorrow over the massive landslides that struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday morning.

Extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families he said, "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. 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. I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad."

Rahul also urged all UDF workers to assist the administration in the rescue and relief operations.

A massive landslide in Kerala's Wayanad district claimed the lives of ten people, including two children. Four victims, including a child, died in Chooralmala town, while a one-year-old from a Nepali family perished in Thondernad village.

The affected areas, including Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, were cut off due to the landslides.

UDF MLA T Siddique mentioned that plans are being made to airlift residents from the Mundakkai area.

Three bodies have been recovered in Munderi Utkurkuthikadav, located in Chaliyar, Malappuram. They are believed to belong to the individuals who went missing during the Chooralmala landslide, Manorama reported.