Wayanad landslides: Over 1,300 rescuers battle aftermath as search operation intensifies

Search operations in the Indian state of Kerala's Wayanad started early Saturday (Aug 3), involving over 1,300 rescuers, heavy machinery, and advanced tools to locate survivors from the landslides that have resulted in over 350deaths.

The mission in Wayanad’s Mundakkai and Chooralmala, spearheaded by the army, police, and emergency services, now includes private rescue firms and volunteers. Approximately 206 people are believed to be missing.

On Friday, forty teams scoured six zones affected by the landslides: Attamala and Aaranmala (first zone), Mundakkai (second), Punchirimattam (third), Vellarimala village (fourth), GVHSS Vellarimala (fifth), and the riverbank (sixth).

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The teams involved included members from the army, NDRF, DSG, Coast Guard, Navy, and MEG, along with three locals and one employee from the forest department.

Watch |India: Death toll touches 358 in Kerala landslides

Following his visit to the affected regions, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, described the Wayanad landslides as a “tragedy of unprecedented scale” for the state and stressed the need for a swift and special response.

On Saturday, the Kerala government announced plans to build a new township in a safe location to house those displaced by the devastating landslide in the Mundakkai area of Wayanad district.

As search and rescue efforts continue in landslide-stricken Wayanad, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasised the need for a robust policy on disaster response and mitigation on Saturday. He stressed that the Indian government must provide long-term support to help those affected by the natural disaster.

Tharoor told ANI, "Food and so on, is plentifully available in Wayanad but we were able to bring some mattresses, soft, spongy things that you can spread out on the floor and lie on to help people. But all of these are just urgent, immediate responses."

"We have to think in terms of the longer term as well. For example, the relief camps are all in schools, but the schools have to reopen. Children have to go back to school and study. So we need to get them out into longer-term residential arrangements, such as rented homes or hostels. And the government has to take a role and then we're all helping. Then we have to build homes for them for the longer term,"Tharoor said.

On Saturday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announcedthat his government will build 100 homes for those affected by the landslides in Wayanad.

"I have assured CM Shri @pinarayivijayan of our support and announced that Karnataka will construct 100 houses for the victims. Together, we will rebuild and restore hope," he said.

"Your commitment to building 100 houses for the victims of the tragic landslide is a significant step towards rehabilitation efforts. The compassion and solidarity of Indians are the strengths that Wayanad needs right now," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)