Kerala landslide: Death toll rises to 67, rescue operations hit by adverse weather

At least 67 people, 116 wereinjured in landslides in Wayanad, and hundredsare still feared to be trapped after massive landslides struck the hilly areas in Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday (July 30).

The landslide occurred at around 2 am on Tuesday at Mundakai and Chooralmala areas, around 20 kilometres from Kalpetta town of Wayanad.

Several agencies, including NDRF, have joined the rescue operations in the hilly areas near Meppadi.

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Notably, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in eight districts including Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragode.

While orange alert has been issued in districts including Pathanamthitta Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam.

Two massive landslides struckthe area at around2 am. About two hours later, close to4.10 am, the Wayanad district was struck by another landslide.

More than 200 soldiers were deployed in the area, and two Indian Air Force helicopters have been mobilised for the rescue effort.

“Hundreds of people are suspected to have been trapped,” the armysaid in a statement.

Soon after the tragedy struck, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said that rescue teams along with NDRF teams have been deployed to the affected area.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modispoketo Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all help to the state government.

The PMalso asked BJP chief JP Nadda to make sure that party workers extendsupport in rescue work. The Prime Minister has also spoken to Union Minister Suresh Gopi, BJP's lone Kerala MP, in this regard.

Taking to his X account the prime minister wrote “Distressed by 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.”

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed in the calamity. Those injured would be given ₹ 50,000 each.

Former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi also expressed condolencesover the tragedy and 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," he said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, heavy rain has hampered rescue operations in the affected area.

(With inputs from agencies)