<p>The devastating landslides which struck Kerala's Wayanad were triggered by incessant rainfall which was 10 per cent more intense due to climate change, according to a new study by the scientists from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group.</p>

<p>The region recorded more than 140 mm of rain in a single day on highly soaked soils due to monsoon rainfall for two months. This triggered devastating landslides and floods claiming at least 231 lives in Wayanad, the researchers said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wayanad-landslides-pm-modi-conducts-aerial-survey-of-disaster-hit-areas-meets-victims-families-748975">Wayanad landslides: PM Modi conducts aerial survey of disaster-hit areas, meets victims' families</a></strong></p>

<p>"The rainfall that triggered the landslides occurred in a region of Wayanad that has the highest landslide risk in the state. Even heavier downpours are expected as the climate warms, which underscores the urgency to prepare for similar landslides in northern Kerala," said Maja Vahlberg, a climate risk consultant at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre.</p>

<p>The team of 24 scientists from India, the US, the UK, and Sweden examined climate models with high resolutions to reflect the rainfall activity in the Wayanad region for calculating the influence of humans on climate change.</p>

<p>The models suggest that climate change caused a 10 per cent increase in the intensity of the rainfall, they said. The models also forecast&nbsp;a further four per cent increase in the intensity of rainfall if there is a rise in the world's average temperature by two degrees Celsius.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-100-animals-being-cared-for-in-aftermath-of-wayanad-landslides-748062">Over 100 animals being cared for in Wayanad after devastating landslides</a></strong></p>

<p>However, a "high level of uncertainty" revolves around the research model as the region of study is small and mountainous with complicated dynamics of rainfall and climate.</p>

<p>According to scientists, events of this severity are likely to become more common in India and the rest of the world as the climate becomes warmer and warmer. In warmer temperatures air carries more moisture which leads to such heavy downpours in a single day.</p>

<p>Wayanad landslide was the third most intense in the state of Kerala since the Indian weather department started keeping records in 1901.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The devastating landslides which struck Kerala's Wayanad were triggered by incessant rainfall which was 10 per cent more intense due to climate change, according to a new study by the scientists from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group.

The devastating landslides which struck Kerala's Wayanad were triggered by incessant rainfall which was 10 per cent more intense due to climate change, according to a new study by the scientists from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group. The region recorded more than 140 mm of rain in a single day on highly soaked soils due to monsoon rainfall for two months. This triggered devastating landslides and floods claiming at least 231 lives in Wayanad, the researchers said. Also read | Wayanad landslides: PM Modi conducts aerial survey of disaster-hit areas, meets victims' families "The rainfall that triggered the landslides occurred in a region of Wayanad that has the highest landslide risk in the state. Even heavier downpours are expected as the climate warms, which underscores the urgency to prepare for similar landslides in northern Kerala," said Maja Vahlberg, a climate risk consultant at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre. The team of 24 scientists from India, the US, the UK, and Sweden examined climate models with high resolutions to reflect the rainfall activity in the Wayanad region for calculating the influence of humans on climate change. The models suggest that climate change caused a 10 per cent increase in the intensity of the rainfall, they said. The models also forecast a further four per cent increase in the intensity of rainfall if there is a rise in the world's average temperature by two degrees Celsius. Also read | Over 100 animals being cared for in Wayanad after devastating landslides However, a "high level of uncertainty" revolves around the research model as the region of study is small and mountainous with complicated dynamics of rainfall and climate. According to scientists, events of this severity are likely to become more common in India and the rest of the world as the climate becomes warmer and warmer. In warmer temperatures air carries more moisture which leads to such heavy downpours in a single day. Wayanad landslide was the third most intense in the state of Kerala since the Indian weather department started keeping records in 1901. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists claim 10 per cent heavier rains due to climate change caused Wayanad landslides

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:121,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1852}">Over the last two weeks, hundreds of personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state authorities in India's Kerala worked day and night, to offer succour to the people of landslide-hit Wayanad. However, amid all these heroic efforts, the commitment and courage of the Indian Army's Junior Commissioned Officer Jinosh Jayan stands out. Despite losing four members of his own family, Jinosh made his way to his devastated hometown to join the massive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts that were being mounted. His on-ground efforts are underway even at the time of the writing of this report.</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:151,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:221,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1988}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:116,&quot;y&quot;:162,&quot;w&quot;:505,&quot;h&quot;:200,&quot;abs_x&quot;:149,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1999}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:121,&quot;y&quot;:162,&quot;w&quot;:495,&quot;h&quot;:200,&quot;abs_x&quot;:154,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1999}" class="twitter-tweet">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:182,&quot;y&quot;:200,&quot;w&quot;:409,&quot;h&quot;:107,&quot;abs_x&quot;:215,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2037}" dir="ltr" lang="en">Despite losing 4members of his own family, <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:494,&quot;y&quot;:200,&quot;w&quot;:59,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:527,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2037}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wayanad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wayanad</a> Chooralmala-native &amp; Army man JCO Jinosh Jayan played an active role in the rescue&amp; relief ops<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:496,&quot;y&quot;:231,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:529,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2068}" />
<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:387,&quot;y&quot;:246,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:420,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2083}" />
His thorough knowledge of the terrain, number of homes, map-making skills proved crucial. He's still on-site, at work. <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:273,&quot;y&quot;:292,&quot;w&quot;:72,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:306,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2129}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:350,&quot;y&quot;:292,&quot;w&quot;:149,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:383,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2129}" href="https://t.co/llIyADqkDz">pic.twitter.com/llIyADqkDz</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:431,&quot;y&quot;:321,&quot;w&quot;:94,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:464,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2158}" href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1823370114701447642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:710,&quot;y&quot;:152,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:743,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1989}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:387,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2224}">In the aftermath of the landslide, JCO Jinosh learned of the loss of his uncle, cousin brother, cousin brother's wife and their 21-year-old daughter. He also learnt that his parents had managed to move to a safer location. Jinosh's family was&nbsp;living in Chooralmala, among the villages that bore the maximum brunt of the landslides.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:387,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2224}">Despite the personal losses, Jinosh requested an emergency leave from his Army Unit 321 Medium Regiment and headed to aid the rescue teams, armed with his thorough knowledge of the terrain, the exact number of homes, and possible rescue spots in the landslide-hit villages.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:539,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2376}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:539,&quot;w&quot;:648,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2376}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:539,&quot;w&quot;:567,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2376}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-wayanad-residents-give-emotional-farewell-to-rescuer-indian-army-748506">Video: Wayanad residents give emotional farewell to rescuers from Indian Army</a></strong></p>

<p>"I was posted in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, when I got to know of the wee hours landslide that struck my hometown in Wayanad. Aurangabad is more than 1000km&nbsp;away from Wayanad. On speaking to my parents and understanding the severity of the situation, I sought permission to avail Emergency leave and left for my hometown," JCO Jinosh told WION.</p>

<p>According to defence officials, JCO Jinosh made the best use of his expertise as a surveyor and created hand-drawn maps that aided the ground teams. Since August 1, Jinosh has been contributing immensely to the operations at the site of the disaster, despite all the personal losses and sorrow that he had to endure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jinosh said that his parents managed to miraculously survive the disaster, as they were able to move to safer, higher ground. However, his paternal family members were not so lucky. Of the four family members that they tragically lost, the mortal remains of only three members have been recovered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While a significant portion of the forces deployed to Wayanad have been withdrawn, Jinosh continues to serve at the landslide site even at the time of the writing of this report. Jinosh is leading small teams of Kerala Forest Department Personnel and Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel in search operations in the remote and far-flung areas around the disaster site. He says that their teams continue to recover mortal remains, despite it being two weeks since the disaster unfolded. As of August 13, Tuesday, the mortal remains of 437 persons have been recovered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jinosh's efforts and tireless service have been recognised and commended by Kerala police officials - Ajith Kumar, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, and Inspector General Sethu Raman.</p>


Over the last two weeks, hundreds of personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state authorities in India's Kerala worked day and night, to offer succour to the people of landslide-hit Wayanad.

Over the last two weeks, hundreds of personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state authorities in India's Kerala worked day and night, to offer succour to the people of landslide-hit Wayanad. However, amid all these heroic efforts, the commitment and courage of the Indian Army's Junior Commissioned Officer Jinosh Jayan stands out. Despite losing four members of his own family, Jinosh made his way to his devastated hometown to join the massive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts that were being mounted. His on-ground efforts are underway even at the time of the writing of this report. Despite losing 4members of his own family, #wayanad Chooralmala-native & Army man JCO Jinosh Jayan played an active role in the rescue& relief ops His thorough knowledge of the terrain, number of homes, map-making skills proved crucial. He's still on-site, at work. #IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/llIyADqkDz — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) August 13, 2024 × In the aftermath of the landslide, JCO Jinosh learned of the loss of his uncle, cousin brother, cousin brother's wife and their 21-year-old daughter. He also learnt that his parents had managed to move to a safer location. Jinosh's family was living in Chooralmala, among the villages that bore the maximum brunt of the landslides. Despite the personal losses, Jinosh requested an emergency leave from his Army Unit 321 Medium Regiment and headed to aid the rescue teams, armed with his thorough knowledge of the terrain, the exact number of homes, and possible rescue spots in the landslide-hit villages. Also read | Video: Wayanad residents give emotional farewell to rescuers from Indian Army "I was posted in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, when I got to know of the wee hours landslide that struck my hometown in Wayanad. Aurangabad is more than 1000km away from Wayanad. On speaking to my parents and understanding the severity of the situation, I sought permission to avail Emergency leave and left for my hometown," JCO Jinosh told WION. According to defence officials, JCO Jinosh made the best use of his expertise as a surveyor and created hand-drawn maps that aided the ground teams. Since August 1, Jinosh has been contributing immensely to the operations at the site of the disaster, despite all the personal losses and sorrow that he had to endure. Jinosh said that his parents managed to miraculously survive the disaster, as they were able to move to safer, higher ground. However, his paternal family members were not so lucky. Of the four family members that they tragically lost, the mortal remains of only three members have been recovered. While a significant portion of the forces deployed to Wayanad have been withdrawn, Jinosh continues to serve at the landslide site even at the time of the writing of this report. Jinosh is leading small teams of Kerala Forest Department Personnel and Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel in search operations in the remote and far-flung areas around the disaster site. He says that their teams continue to recover mortal remains, despite it being two weeks since the disaster unfolded. As of August 13, Tuesday, the mortal remains of 437 persons have been recovered. Jinosh's efforts and tireless service have been recognised and commended by Kerala police officials - Ajith Kumar, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, and Inspector General Sethu Raman.

Despite losing family, Indian army man Jinosh served in Wayanad landslide ops

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1852}">A few people in landslide-hit Wayanad in&nbsp;Kerala, have a&nbsp;feathered friend to thank - pet parrot 'Kingini'. During the wee hours of Tuesday, July 30, just before thousands of tons of massive boulders, debris, and soil came crashing down on the hillside villages, Kingini's frantic cries, screeches and wing-flapping from within its cage changed the fate and saved lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:99,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1936}">According to Vinod, Kingini's pet parent, the violent and unusual behaviour of the caged parrot had alerted him right in the nick of time. As a miraculous after-effect, Vinod then rang up his friends and neighbours. Luckily for them, they all sensed something suspicious and fled to safety.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:166,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2003}">There is considerable anecdotal and scientific evidence indicating that animals and birds can sense some disasters early. The exact mechanisms are not always well understood, but various theories and observations explain how animals might detect impending natural disasters.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:233,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:86,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2070}">"Before the landslide occurred, my parrot was extremely agitated and behaving wildly. In the violent wing-flapping, the bird had also lost some of its feathers in the cage itself. I was wondering whether the parrot was urging me to free it from the cage. So, I rang up a neighbour Jiji and checked. Sensing something dangerous, they fled to safety," Vinod recalls from a facility in Wayanad where he has been staying with hundreds of other evacuees.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:335,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2172}">Vinod did not stop at alerting one friend, he also rang up another friend. Prashant, a bank employee, was fast asleep, until he received the phone call. Fortunately for Prashant, he too fled in time and escaped the horrors that multiple hillside villages (Chooralmala, Mundakkayi, Punchirimattom) in Wayanad underwent that night.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:402,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2239}">Satellite imagery captured by ISRO's Radar-imaging satellite (RI-Sat) captured the extent of devastation in the region. At a speed of nearly 28,000kmph, as the spacecraft made a pass over this region on 31st July (a day after the landslide), it offered unprecedented insights into the disaster.&nbsp;</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:469,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:236,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2306}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:116,&quot;y&quot;:479,&quot;w&quot;:505,&quot;h&quot;:215,&quot;abs_x&quot;:149,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2316}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:121,&quot;y&quot;:479,&quot;w&quot;:495,&quot;h&quot;:215,&quot;abs_x&quot;:154,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2316}" class="twitter-tweet">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:182,&quot;y&quot;:518,&quot;w&quot;:409,&quot;h&quot;:122,&quot;abs_x&quot;:215,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2355}" dir="ltr" lang="en">Imaging from <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:271,&quot;y&quot;:518,&quot;w&quot;:28,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:304,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2355}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> RI-Sat(a Synthetic Aprrture Radar satellite), as captured barely 24hrs after the deadly <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:447,&quot;y&quot;:533,&quot;w&quot;:117,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:480,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2370}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WayanadLandslide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WayanadLandslide</a> <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:332,&quot;y&quot;:549,&quot;w&quot;:109,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:365,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2386}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WayanadDisaster?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WayanadDisaster</a><br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:441,&quot;y&quot;:549,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:474,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2386}" />
<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:387,&quot;y&quot;:564,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:420,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2401}" />
Usual optical satellite click pics (like cameras),but can't see amid clouds, full darkness<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:451,&quot;y&quot;:595,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:484,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2432}" />
SAR <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:280,&quot;y&quot;:610,&quot;w&quot;:31,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:313,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2447}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> is meant for all-weather, day/night <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:304,&quot;y&quot;:625,&quot;w&quot;:165,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:337,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2462}" href="https://t.co/4jDhoE5EWX">pic.twitter.com/4jDhoE5EWX</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:435,&quot;y&quot;:654,&quot;w&quot;:87,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:468,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2491}" href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1820881774467252523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:710,&quot;y&quot;:469,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:743,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2306}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:720,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:86,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2557}">ISRO's data mentions that the region was already landslide-prone and had witnessed landslides in bygone years. It also highlights that the landslide originated from a peak that was at an altitude of 1.550 km&nbsp;above sea level. It from such a height that the entire trail of destruction began. From the peak where it originated, the trail of debris flowed down for an 8 km-long stretch, wiping out everything in the way - homes, places of worship, schools, shops, roads, vehicles, etc. ISRO pegs the extent of the landslide at&nbsp;86,000 square metres.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:822,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:121,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2659}">ISRO's RI-Sat is significantly different from &nbsp;conventional satellites that capture optical imagery (photographs). Conventional imaging satellites are comparable to cameras - their imaging capabilities are hindered by clouds, changes in weather, day/night cycles, etc. However, RI-Sat uses Radar signals to map the earth below. It fires radar beams towards the earth and collects the reflection (backscatter) of those beams. As the satellite travels along its designated path, it combines all the reflections that it receives over time. By combining and processing these reflections, these satellites offer high-resolution imagery. This technology is known as Synthetic Aperture Radar.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:958,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2795}">Depending on the wavelength used, Synthetic aperture radar signals can penetrate through vegetation, snow, and even some types of soil, providing information about underlying structures.&nbsp;</p>


A few people in landslide-hit Wayanad in Kerala, have a feathered friend to thank - pet parrot 'Kingini'. During the wee hours of Tuesday, July 30, just before thousands of tons of massive boulders, debris, and soil came crashing down on the hillside villages, Kingini's frantic cries, screeches and wing-flapping from within its cage changed the fate and saved lives.

A few people in landslide-hit Wayanad in Kerala, have a feathered friend to thank - pet parrot 'Kingini'. During the wee hours of Tuesday, July 30, just before thousands of tons of massive boulders, debris, and soil came crashing down on the hillside villages, Kingini's frantic cries, screeches and wing-flapping from within its cage changed the fate and saved lives. According to Vinod, Kingini's pet parent, the violent and unusual behaviour of the caged parrot had alerted him right in the nick of time. As a miraculous after-effect, Vinod then rang up his friends and neighbours. Luckily for them, they all sensed something suspicious and fled to safety. There is considerable anecdotal and scientific evidence indicating that animals and birds can sense some disasters early. The exact mechanisms are not always well understood, but various theories and observations explain how animals might detect impending natural disasters. "Before the landslide occurred, my parrot was extremely agitated and behaving wildly. In the violent wing-flapping, the bird had also lost some of its feathers in the cage itself. I was wondering whether the parrot was urging me to free it from the cage. So, I rang up a neighbour Jiji and checked. Sensing something dangerous, they fled to safety," Vinod recalls from a facility in Wayanad where he has been staying with hundreds of other evacuees. Vinod did not stop at alerting one friend, he also rang up another friend. Prashant, a bank employee, was fast asleep, until he received the phone call. Fortunately for Prashant, he too fled in time and escaped the horrors that multiple hillside villages (Chooralmala, Mundakkayi, Punchirimattom) in Wayanad underwent that night. Satellite imagery captured by ISRO's Radar-imaging satellite (RI-Sat) captured the extent of devastation in the region. At a speed of nearly 28,000kmph, as the spacecraft made a pass over this region on 31st July (a day after the landslide), it offered unprecedented insights into the disaster. Imaging from #isro RI-Sat(a Synthetic Aprrture Radar satellite), as captured barely 24hrs after the deadly #WayanadLandslide #WayanadDisaster Usual optical satellite click pics (like cameras),but can't see amid clouds, full darkness SAR #tech is meant for all-weather, day/night pic.twitter.com/4jDhoE5EWX — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) August 6, 2024 × ISRO's data mentions that the region was already landslide-prone and had witnessed landslides in bygone years. It also highlights that the landslide originated from a peak that was at an altitude of 1.550 km above sea level. It from such a height that the entire trail of destruction began. From the peak where it originated, the trail of debris flowed down for an 8 km-long stretch, wiping out everything in the way - homes, places of worship, schools, shops, roads, vehicles, etc. ISRO pegs the extent of the landslide at 86,000 square metres. ISRO's RI-Sat is significantly different from conventional satellites that capture optical imagery (photographs). Conventional imaging satellites are comparable to cameras - their imaging capabilities are hindered by clouds, changes in weather, day/night cycles, etc. However, RI-Sat uses Radar signals to map the earth below. It fires radar beams towards the earth and collects the reflection (backscatter) of those beams. As the satellite travels along its designated path, it combines all the reflections that it receives over time. By combining and processing these reflections, these satellites offer high-resolution imagery. This technology is known as Synthetic Aperture Radar. Depending on the wavelength used, Synthetic aperture radar signals can penetrate through vegetation, snow, and even some types of soil, providing information about underlying structures.

Here's how a pet parrot saved many from the Wayanad landslide

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1701}">For the ninth day, rescue and relief operations are underway in the landslide-hit hillside villages of Wayanad, Kerala. While the obvious focus of the multi-agency rescue operation has remained on rescuing victims and recovering the mortal remains of those who haven't made it, there is a lesser-known effort that's underway - caring for the animals that have been affected by this immeasurable tragedy.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:213,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1899}">After daybreak on Tuesday (July 30), as the rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Kerala state authorities commenced, a team of volunteers focused on animal rescue started work in the affected villages.&nbsp;</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:280,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:190,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1966}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:116,&quot;y&quot;:291,&quot;w&quot;:505,&quot;h&quot;:169,&quot;abs_x&quot;:149,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1977}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:121,&quot;y&quot;:291,&quot;w&quot;:495,&quot;h&quot;:169,&quot;abs_x&quot;:154,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1977}" class="twitter-tweet">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:182,&quot;y&quot;:330,&quot;w&quot;:409,&quot;h&quot;:76,&quot;abs_x&quot;:215,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2016}" dir="ltr" lang="en">In the aftermath of the deadly July30th <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:424,&quot;y&quot;:330,&quot;w&quot;:117,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:457,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2016}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WayanadLandslide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WayanadLandslide</a>, rescue &amp;relief ops in <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:282,&quot;y&quot;:345,&quot;w&quot;:61,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:315,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2031}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wayanad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wayanad</a> <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:348,&quot;y&quot;:345,&quot;w&quot;:42,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:381,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2031}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kerala</a> have been going on for 9days<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:577,&quot;y&quot;:345,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:610,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2031}" />
Here's a lesser-known aspect- Since day 1, a team of volunteers, vets, personnel from <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:314,&quot;y&quot;:376,&quot;w&quot;:72,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:347,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2062}" href="https://twitter.com/HSIGlobal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HSIGlobal</a> have cared for 90 cattle, 22dogs, 7 cats, 50+ fowl <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:355,&quot;y&quot;:391,&quot;w&quot;:162,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:388,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2077}" href="https://t.co/YVBYBYde6l">pic.twitter.com/YVBYBYde6l</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:435,&quot;y&quot;:419,&quot;w&quot;:87,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:468,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2105}" href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1821137714642874497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:710,&quot;y&quot;:281,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:743,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1967}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:486,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:86,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2172}">"Whenever a disaster strikes, the authorities arrange shelters where the survivors and dislocated people can be accommodated temporarily. However, there are no such designated shelters for animals. Our task is to rescue the animals, move them to a safe location, and offer them medical relief and food. So far, we have been able to provide aid to 90 cattle, 22 dogs, seven cats, and more than 50 fowl," Praveen from Humane Society International (HSI) told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:486,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:86,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2172}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-how-a-pet-parrot-save-many-from-the-wayanad-landslide-747863">Here's how a pet parrot saved many from the Wayanad landslide</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:588,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2274}">In the aftermath of a disaster, animals are under serious distress, owing to multiple factors around them. It could be the massive activity around them, the huge mobilisation of people and the noisy environment of the rescue and relief efforts, the loss of the caretaker&nbsp;family, the loss of a home, etc. Under such circumstances, there are several cases where animals who don't feed on their own or accept food and may have sustained injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:672,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2358}">Praveen's 10-member team comprises volunteers from Wayanad, personnel from HSI, and two vets. The teams first feed the animals and then offer them basic first aid, if necessary. In the case of animals that need further care, they are moved to an animal husbandry facility.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:739,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2425}">In cases&nbsp;where it is extremely critical, they make the decision to relocate the animal from the disaster site. In some cases, they try to find a new home for the pets and give them up for adoption.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:789,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:86,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2475}">Animal care is a delicate process, and it doesn't end with the initial aid provided. We need to soon start focussing on post-disaster care, Praveen added. He said that cattle would have to be dewormed, as they tend to get sick after grazing amid the debris and slush in the aftermath of the landslide. Further, the animals that have been eating very little owing to the stress factors would have to be provided special care.<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:661,&quot;y&quot;:841,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:694,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2527}" />
&nbsp;</p>


For the ninth day, rescue and relief operations are underway in the landslide-hit hillside villages of Wayanad, Kerala. While the obvious focus of the multi-agency rescue operation has remained on rescuing victims and recovering the mortal remains of those who haven't made it, there is a lesser-known effort that's underway - caring for the animals that have been affected by this immeasurable tragedy.

For the ninth day, rescue and relief operations are underway in the landslide-hit hillside villages of Wayanad, Kerala. While the obvious focus of the multi-agency rescue operation has remained on rescuing victims and recovering the mortal remains of those who haven't made it, there is a lesser-known effort that's underway - caring for the animals that have been affected by this immeasurable tragedy. After daybreak on Tuesday (July 30), as the rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Kerala state authorities commenced, a team of volunteers focused on animal rescue started work in the affected villages. In the aftermath of the deadly July30th #WayanadLandslide, rescue &relief ops in #Wayanad #kerala have been going on for 9days Here's a lesser-known aspect- Since day 1, a team of volunteers, vets, personnel from @HSIGlobal have cared for 90 cattle, 22dogs, 7 cats, 50+ fowl pic.twitter.com/YVBYBYde6l — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) August 7, 2024 × "Whenever a disaster strikes, the authorities arrange shelters where the survivors and dislocated people can be accommodated temporarily. However, there are no such designated shelters for animals. Our task is to rescue the animals, move them to a safe location, and offer them medical relief and food. So far, we have been able to provide aid to 90 cattle, 22 dogs, seven cats, and more than 50 fowl," Praveen from Humane Society International (HSI) told WION. Also read | Here's how a pet parrot saved many from the Wayanad landslide In the aftermath of a disaster, animals are under serious distress, owing to multiple factors around them. It could be the massive activity around them, the huge mobilisation of people and the noisy environment of the rescue and relief efforts, the loss of the caretaker family, the loss of a home, etc. Under such circumstances, there are several cases where animals who don't feed on their own or accept food and may have sustained injuries. Praveen's 10-member team comprises volunteers from Wayanad, personnel from HSI, and two vets. The teams first feed the animals and then offer them basic first aid, if necessary. In the case of animals that need further care, they are moved to an animal husbandry facility. In cases where it is extremely critical, they make the decision to relocate the animal from the disaster site. In some cases, they try to find a new home for the pets and give them up for adoption. Animal care is a delicate process, and it doesn't end with the initial aid provided. We need to soon start focussing on post-disaster care, Praveen added. He said that cattle would have to be dewormed, as they tend to get sick after grazing amid the debris and slush in the aftermath of the landslide. Further, the animals that have been eating very little owing to the stress factors would have to be provided special care.

Over 100 animals being cared for in Wayanad after devastating landslides

<p>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 350&nbsp;deaths.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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).</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: Death toll touches 358 in Kerala landslides</strong></p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-forest-officials-rescue-6-tribals-including-4-kids-after-wayanad-landslides-in-8-hour-mission-746878">Kerala forest officials rescue 6 tribals, including 4 kids after Wayanad landslides in 8-hour mission</a></strong></p>

<p>"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,"&nbsp;Tharoor said.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced&nbsp;that his government will build 100 homes for those affected by the landslides in Wayanad.</p>

<p>"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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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 350 deaths.

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 350 deaths. 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). 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." Also read: Kerala forest officials rescue 6 tribals, including 4 kids after Wayanad landslides in 8-hour mission "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 announced that 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)

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

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<p>Forest department officials in the Indian state of Kerala&nbsp;successfully rescued a tribal family, including four young children, who were trapped in a cave following the Wayanad landslides.</p>

<p>A team of four, headed by Kalpetta range forest officer K&nbsp;Hashis, carried out the rescue operation. The family, with children aged between one and four, was saved after a four-and-a-half-hour operation one way.</p>

<p>"The family is from the Paniya community of Wayanad, and had been stranded in a cave atop a hill overlooking a deep gorge," Hashis told the news agency PTI.</p>

<p>Hashis reported that they discovered the&nbsp;mother and her four-year-old child searching for food for the other children and their father, who were trapped in a cave.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: Death toll touches 358 in Kerala landslides</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Forest department personnel rescued six tribals, including four children, from a landslide-affected area in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wayanad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wayanad</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WayanadLandslide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WayanadLandslide</a> <a href="https://t.co/S0xZeddrB9">pic.twitter.com/S0xZeddrB9</a></p>
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/1819630386210570416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised the forest department for their courage during an eight-hour rescue mission that involved trekking through the dense forests of the Western Ghats.</p>

<p>Pinarayi Vijayan in a post&nbsp;on X said, “Six precious lives were saved from a remote tribal settlement after a tireless 8-hour operation by our courageous forest officials in landslide-hit Wayanad. Their heroism reminds us that Kerala's resilience shines brightest in the darkest times. United in hope, we will rebuild and emerge stronger.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-airport-waterlogged-after-heavy-rains-imd-issues-alerts-for-west-bengal-746844">India: Kolkata airport waterlogged after heavy rains, IMD issues alerts for West Bengal</a></strong></p>

<p>As the rainfall intensified, the forest department moved most of the tribal community members in Wayanad to safer areas. Hashis explained that the tribal community relied on forest products and typically avoided interactions with others.</p>

<p>"However, it seems like, due to the landslide and the heavy rain, they were unable to procure any food," he said. The path to rescue the tribals was a steep incline, particularly with the heavy rain. Officers had to tie ropes to trees and rocks to navigate, which he described as hazardous.</p>

<p>He added, “The children were tired, and we fed them with whatever we had carried. Later, after much persuasion, their father agreed to come with us, and we tied the children to our bodies and started our trek back."</p>

<p>On Tuesday, landslides in the Wayanad district caused major damage to roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure, leaving people stuck in affected areas. With over 300&nbsp;lives lost, this disaster is the worst Kerala has experienced since the 2018 floods.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Forest department officials in the Indian state of Kerala successfully rescued a tribal family, including four young children, who were trapped in a cave following the Wayanad landslides.

Forest department officials in the Indian state of Kerala successfully rescued a tribal family, including four young children, who were trapped in a cave following the Wayanad landslides. A team of four, headed by Kalpetta range forest officer K Hashis, carried out the rescue operation. The family, with children aged between one and four, was saved after a four-and-a-half-hour operation one way. "The family is from the Paniya community of Wayanad, and had been stranded in a cave atop a hill overlooking a deep gorge," Hashis told the news agency PTI. Hashis reported that they discovered the mother and her four-year-old child searching for food for the other children and their father, who were trapped in a cave. Watch | India: Death toll touches 358 in Kerala landslides × #Kerala: Forest department personnel rescued six tribals, including four children, from a landslide-affected area in #Wayanad.#WayanadLandslide pic.twitter.com/S0xZeddrB9 — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) August 3, 2024 × Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised the forest department for their courage during an eight-hour rescue mission that involved trekking through the dense forests of the Western Ghats. Pinarayi Vijayan in a post on X said, “Six precious lives were saved from a remote tribal settlement after a tireless 8-hour operation by our courageous forest officials in landslide-hit Wayanad. Their heroism reminds us that Kerala's resilience shines brightest in the darkest times. United in hope, we will rebuild and emerge stronger.” Also read: India: Kolkata airport waterlogged after heavy rains, IMD issues alerts for West Bengal As the rainfall intensified, the forest department moved most of the tribal community members in Wayanad to safer areas. Hashis explained that the tribal community relied on forest products and typically avoided interactions with others. "However, it seems like, due to the landslide and the heavy rain, they were unable to procure any food," he said. The path to rescue the tribals was a steep incline, particularly with the heavy rain. Officers had to tie ropes to trees and rocks to navigate, which he described as hazardous. He added, “The children were tired, and we fed them with whatever we had carried. Later, after much persuasion, their father agreed to come with us, and we tied the children to our bodies and started our trek back." On Tuesday, landslides in the Wayanad district caused major damage to roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure, leaving people stuck in affected areas. With over 300 lives lost, this disaster is the worst Kerala has experienced since the 2018 floods. (With inputs from agencies)

Kerala forest officials rescue 6 tribals, including 4 kids after Wayanad landslides in 8-hour mission

<p>As search operations enter the fifth day on Saturday (Aug 3), rescue teams, using advanced technical gadgets and dogs, continue to look for survivors or recover bodies buried under the debris of the devastating Wayanad landslides, one of Kerala's worst natural calamities.</p>

<p>The District administration likely failed to take hands-on steps to shift residents from the banks of Chaliyar even after receiving heavy rainfall alert hours before tragedy struck the Chooralmala and Mundakkai regions in Wayanad.</p>

<p>It is learnt that authorities failed to shift hundreds of families to relief camps.</p>

<p><strong>Wayanad landslides latest updates:</strong></p>

<p>1. The death toll in the tragedy has risen to 344. On Saturday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that 206 people were still reported to be missing and the search and rescue operations were in their final stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>2. Around 40 rescue teams, along with cadaver dogs, are conducting search operations in six zones of the landslide-hit areas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/nayanthara-vignesh-shivan-donate-rs20-lakh-for-wayanad-landslide-victims-746626">Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan donate ₹20 lakh to Wayanad landslide victims</a></p>

<p>3. Rahul Gandhi, announced on Friday (Aug 2) that the Congress party will construct more than 100 houses for the victims of the devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala.</p>

<p>4. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a cloudy sky with occasional spells of rain or thundershowers for Wayanad on Saturday.</p>

<p>5. The Centre issued a draft notification to declare over 56,800 square kilometres of the Western Ghats, including 13 villages in Kerala's Wayanad, as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).</p>

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<p>6.&nbsp;Kerala General Education Minister, V Sivankutty, on Friday said at least 49 children have either been missing or are dead in the devastating landslides that hit Wayanad.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As search operations enter the fifth day on Saturday (Aug 3), rescue teams, using advanced technical gadgets and dogs, continue to look for survivors or recover bodies buried under the debris of the devastating Wayanad landslides, one of Kerala's worst natural calamities.

As search operations enter the fifth day on Saturday (Aug 3), rescue teams, using advanced technical gadgets and dogs, continue to look for survivors or recover bodies buried under the debris of the devastating Wayanad landslides, one of Kerala's worst natural calamities. The District administration likely failed to take hands-on steps to shift residents from the banks of Chaliyar even after receiving heavy rainfall alert hours before tragedy struck the Chooralmala and Mundakkai regions in Wayanad. It is learnt that authorities failed to shift hundreds of families to relief camps. Wayanad landslides latest updates: 1. The death toll in the tragedy has risen to 344. On Saturday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that 206 people were still reported to be missing and the search and rescue operations were in their final stage. 2. Around 40 rescue teams, along with cadaver dogs, are conducting search operations in six zones of the landslide-hit areas. Also read: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan donate ₹20 lakh to Wayanad landslide victims 3. Rahul Gandhi, announced on Friday (Aug 2) that the Congress party will construct more than 100 houses for the victims of the devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. 4. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a cloudy sky with occasional spells of rain or thundershowers for Wayanad on Saturday. 5. The Centre issued a draft notification to declare over 56,800 square kilometres of the Western Ghats, including 13 villages in Kerala's Wayanad, as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). × 6. Kerala General Education Minister, V Sivankutty, on Friday said at least 49 children have either been missing or are dead in the devastating landslides that hit Wayanad. (With inputs from agencies)

Wayanad landslide: Search and rescue ops in final stage, says Kerala CM | Top updates

<p>The death toll in massive landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district crossed the 300 mark on Friday (Aug 2). While&nbsp;rescue workers on Friday found a family of four isolated in an area near Padavetti Kunnu, news agency PTI reported.</p>

<p>A massive search and rescue operation is ongoing in the Mundakkai region of Wayanad, which was struck by a devastating landslide on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Braving the adverse weather conditions, 40 teams of rescuers began search operations in Wayanad, officials said.</p>

<p>Rescue operations, which entered the fourth day, will be further widened and also include a drone-based radar to find the survivors.</p>

<p><strong>Here are the top updates:</strong></p>

<p>1. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi announced on Friday that his party would build more than&nbsp;100 houses in Wayanad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>2. 40 teams will conduct search operations in six zones of the landslides-hit areas -- Attamala and Aaranmala (first), Mundakkai (second), Punchirimattam (third), Vellarimala village (fourth), GVHSS Vellarimala (fifth), and riverbank (sixth).</p>

<p><strong>Also read</strong> |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wayanad-landslides-toll-rises-to-256-over-200-still-missing-746091">Wayanad landslides:&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka reach Kerala</a></p>

<p>3. The joint teams will include personnel from the army, NDRF, DSG, Coast Guard, Navy, and MEG along with three locals and one forest department employee.</p>

<p>4. Around 9,328 people have been relocated to 91 relief camps in the district.</p>

<p>5. The Coast Guard, Navy, and Forest Department will jointly conduct a search operation focusing on the riverbanks and areas where bodies may be trapped, according to the rescue plan.</p>

<p>6. Currently, six dogs are assisting in the search operation and four more will arrive in Wayanad from Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-forces-chinook-mi17-start-rescue-operations-in-kedarnath-after-cloudburst-strands-pilgrims-746474">Indian Air Force's Chinook, MI17 start rescue operations in Kedarnath</a></p>

<p>7. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has directed officials to withdraw 'gag order' on scientists</p>

<p>8. Kerala government issued a ‘gag order’ to the “scientific community” instructing them not to share their opinions or study reports with the media on the Wayanad landslide mishap.</p>

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<p>9. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the site of the landslide.</p>

<p>10.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, Kerala ADGP MR Ajith Kumar said 300 people were still missing.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The death toll in massive landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district crossed the 300 mark on Friday (Aug 2). While rescue workers on Friday found a family of four isolated in an area near Padavetti Kunnu, news agency PTI reported.

The death toll in massive landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district crossed the 300 mark on Friday (Aug 2). While rescue workers on Friday found a family of four isolated in an area near Padavetti Kunnu, news agency PTI reported. A massive search and rescue operation is ongoing in the Mundakkai region of Wayanad, which was struck by a devastating landslide on Tuesday. Braving the adverse weather conditions, 40 teams of rescuers began search operations in Wayanad, officials said. Rescue operations, which entered the fourth day, will be further widened and also include a drone-based radar to find the survivors. Here are the top updates: 1. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi announced on Friday that his party would build more than 100 houses in Wayanad. 2. 40 teams will conduct search operations in six zones of the landslides-hit areas -- Attamala and Aaranmala (first), Mundakkai (second), Punchirimattam (third), Vellarimala village (fourth), GVHSS Vellarimala (fifth), and riverbank (sixth). Also read | Wayanad landslides: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka reach Kerala 3. The joint teams will include personnel from the army, NDRF, DSG, Coast Guard, Navy, and MEG along with three locals and one forest department employee. 4. Around 9,328 people have been relocated to 91 relief camps in the district. 5. The Coast Guard, Navy, and Forest Department will jointly conduct a search operation focusing on the riverbanks and areas where bodies may be trapped, according to the rescue plan. 6. Currently, six dogs are assisting in the search operation and four more will arrive in Wayanad from Tamil Nadu. Also read: Indian Air Force's Chinook, MI17 start rescue operations in Kedarnath 7. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has directed officials to withdraw 'gag order' on scientists 8. Kerala government issued a ‘gag order’ to the “scientific community” instructing them not to share their opinions or study reports with the media on the Wayanad landslide mishap. × 9. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the site of the landslide. 10. Earlier in the day, Kerala ADGP MR Ajith Kumar said 300 people were still missing. (With inputs from agencies)

Wayanad landslide: 4 found alive amid toll mounting to 326 | Top updates

<p>The devastating landslides in Wayanad, a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala, have killed 173 people, with dozens of others left injured and many having lost their homes and livelihoods.</p>

<p>During this tragic situation, several South Indian celebrities have come forward to help in the rescue and rehabilitation efforts after the landslide tragedy, which has been termed one of the worst natural disasters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several Malayalam and Tamil actors, such as Suriya, Jyotika, Karthi and Rashmika Mandanna have donated to the Kerala Chief Minister Relief Fund to help victims of the Wayanad landslide tragedy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tamil actors Suriya, his wife Jyothika, and Karthi have donated Rs 50 lakhs to the Kerala CM Relief Fund.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WayanadLandslide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WayanadLandslide</a> my thoughts and prayers with the families.. Heartbreaking..! Respects to all members of Government agencies and people on the field helping the families with rescue operations 🙏🏼</p>
— Suriya Sivakumar (@Suriya_offl) <a href="https://twitter.com/Suriya_offl/status/1818676283334709479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The National-award-winning actor said that he's heartbroken by the tragedy. In his post on X, he wrote, "#WayanadLandslide my thoughts and prayers with the families..Heartbreaking..! Respects to all members of Government agencies and people on the field helping the families with the rescue operations (sic)."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pained by the sad news of the devastation caused by the recent landslide in Kerala's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wayanad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wayanad</a> district that left over 150 people dead, 197 injured and several others missing, Actor <a href="https://twitter.com/chiyaan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chiyaan</a> today donated a sum of Rs 20 lakhs to the Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund.… <a href="https://t.co/mxb7O7YSSN">pic.twitter.com/mxb7O7YSSN</a></p>
— Yuvraaj (@proyuvraaj) <a href="https://twitter.com/proyuvraaj/status/1818587543178301906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rashmika Mandanna has reportedly donated Rs 10 lakh for the victims. The 'Animal' actor expressed her sentiments on her Instagram story. She wrote, "I saw this and it broke my heart.. I am so so sorry. This is terrible! Prayers to the families (sic)," with folded-hands emoji.</p>

<p>Malayalam megastar Mammootty and Dulquer Salmaan have donated Rs 25 lakh and Rs 15 lakh&nbsp;respectively. The actor visited a collection centre in Ernakulam to donate the amount towards relief funds.<br />
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<img alt="12" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e1167426-e284-416b-ba82-a4f99e06accc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/happy%2030th%20birthday%20-%202024-08-01T093127.520.png" /></p>

<p>Actor Fahadh Faasil donated Rs 25 lakh to help the victims.</p>

<p>Chiyaan Vikram donated Rs 20 lakh to the Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Various actors and A-listers such as Kamal Haasan&nbsp;and others, have expressed their condolences.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ta">கேரள மாநிலம் வயநாடு பகுதியிலும், வால்பாறையிலும் நிலச்சரிவினால் ஏற்பட்ட பேரழிவுகள் என் நெஞ்சைப் பதற வைக்கின்றன. தங்களது அன்புக்குரியவர்களையும், வீடு வாசல், உடைமைகளையும் இழந்து தவிக்கும் குடும்பங்களுக்கு எனது ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கல்கள்.<br />
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பருவநிலை மாற்றத்தின் காரணமாக இயற்கைப் பேரிடர்கள்…</p>
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan/status/1818205415982969124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply saddened on hearing the tragic news of landslide <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wayanad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wayanad</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>.<br />
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My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families.<br />
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Request the Government authorities that the necessary rescue and relief measures be provided to the affected on a war-footing.</p>
— TVK Vijay (@tvkvijayhq) <a href="https://twitter.com/tvkvijayhq/status/1818192033909018985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The devastating landslides in Wayanad, a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala, have killed 173 people, with dozens of others left injured and many having lost their homes and livelihoods.

The devastating landslides in Wayanad, a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala, have killed 173 people, with dozens of others left injured and many having lost their homes and livelihoods. During this tragic situation, several South Indian celebrities have come forward to help in the rescue and rehabilitation efforts after the landslide tragedy, which has been termed one of the worst natural disasters. Several Malayalam and Tamil actors, such as Suriya, Jyotika, Karthi and Rashmika Mandanna have donated to the Kerala Chief Minister Relief Fund to help victims of the Wayanad landslide tragedy. Tamil actors Suriya, his wife Jyothika, and Karthi have donated Rs 50 lakhs to the Kerala CM Relief Fund. .#WayanadLandslide my thoughts and prayers with the families.. Heartbreaking..! Respects to all members of Government agencies and people on the field helping the families with rescue operations 🙏🏼 — Suriya Sivakumar (@Suriya_offl) July 31, 2024 × The National-award-winning actor said that he's heartbroken by the tragedy. In his post on X, he wrote, "#WayanadLandslide my thoughts and prayers with the families..Heartbreaking..! Respects to all members of Government agencies and people on the field helping the families with the rescue operations (sic)." Pained by the sad news of the devastation caused by the recent landslide in Kerala's #Wayanad district that left over 150 people dead, 197 injured and several others missing, Actor @chiyaan today donated a sum of Rs 20 lakhs to the Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund.… pic.twitter.com/mxb7O7YSSN — Yuvraaj (@proyuvraaj) July 31, 2024 × Rashmika Mandanna has reportedly donated Rs 10 lakh for the victims. The 'Animal' actor expressed her sentiments on her Instagram story. She wrote, "I saw this and it broke my heart.. I am so so sorry. This is terrible! Prayers to the families (sic)," with folded-hands emoji. Malayalam megastar Mammootty and Dulquer Salmaan have donated Rs 25 lakh and Rs 15 lakh respectively. The actor visited a collection centre in Ernakulam to donate the amount towards relief funds. Actor Fahadh Faasil donated Rs 25 lakh to help the victims. Chiyaan Vikram donated Rs 20 lakh to the Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. Various actors and A-listers such as Kamal Haasan and others, have expressed their condolences. கேரள மாநிலம் வயநாடு பகுதியிலும், வால்பாறையிலும் நிலச்சரிவினால் ஏற்பட்ட பேரழிவுகள் என் நெஞ்சைப் பதற வைக்கின்றன. தங்களது அன்புக்குரியவர்களையும், வீடு வாசல், உடைமைகளையும் இழந்து தவிக்கும் குடும்பங்களுக்கு எனது ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கல்கள். பருவநிலை மாற்றத்தின் காரணமாக இயற்கைப் பேரிடர்கள்… — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) July 30, 2024 × Deeply saddened on hearing the tragic news of landslide #Wayanad, #Kerala. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. Request the Government authorities that the necessary rescue and relief measures be provided to the affected on a war-footing. — TVK Vijay (@tvkvijayhq) July 30, 2024 ×

Wayanad landslide: Suriya, Jyotika, Rashmika & other stars donate millions for victims

<p>At least 256 people have died and around 200 are still missing after massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad.</p>

<p>The Army has rescued over 1,000 people and over 190 people are still missing, as reported by news agency PTI.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-4-dead-200-pilgrims-stranded-as-cloudburst-hits-kedarnath-route-746129">India: 4 dead, 200 pilgrims stranded as cloudburst hits Kedarnath route</a></p>

<p>It may be mentioned here, that three landslides struck Wayanad on Tuesday (July 30) following heavy rain. Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages in the district were the worst affected due to the landslides.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India's opposition leader and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi, along with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, visits a relief camp set up at a school in Kerala's landslide-hit region<br />
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Video: news agency ANI<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulGandhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PriyankaGandhiVadra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PriyankaGandhiVadra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wayanad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wayanad</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WayanadLandslides?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WayanadLandslides</a> <a href="https://t.co/gSHvMRAA79">pic.twitter.com/gSHvMRAA79</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1818961046406562100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Here are the top updates:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>1. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have arrived at the disaster site and are set to visit relief camps and the medical college to support and meet with the affected families.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | In Wayanad, Congress MP &amp; LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi says, "It is a terrible tragedy for Wayanad, for Kerala and the nation. We have come here to see the situation. It is painful to see how many people have lost family members and their houses. We will try to help and… <a href="https://t.co/puqOMWRBYC">pic.twitter.com/puqOMWRBYC</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1818978414893859031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>2. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were scheduled to visit Wayanad on Wednesday, but they had to postpone their visit due to incessant rain and adverse weather conditions.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | After meeting Wayanad landslides survivors, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "We have spent a whole day meeting people who have suffered. It's an immense tragedy. We can only imagine the kind of pain the people are suffering. We are here to give as much… <a href="https://t.co/3nI6dWGbMq">pic.twitter.com/3nI6dWGbMq</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1818982455359263057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-keralas-raging-athirappilly-waterfall-turns-demonic-amid-heavy-monsoon-rains-745964">Watch: Kerala's raging Athirappilly Waterfall turns demonic amid heavy monsoon rains</a></p>

<p>3. A temporary Bailey bridge in Chooralmala is being constructed by the Army's Engineer Task Force from Madras Engineer Group.</p>

<p>4. An all-party meeting, chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, will be held in Wayanad on Thursday.</p>

<p>5. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted more rain for Wayanad and several other districts over the next couple of days. A red alert for heavy rain has been issued for Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod districts.</p>

<p>6.&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 as compensation for the injured.</p>

<p>7.&nbsp;Kerala Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into a malicious campaign against the Chief Minister’s appeal for disaster relief following the devastating landslides in Wayanad.</p>

<p>8.&nbsp;The Health Minister Veena George said, "At least 1,500 army personnel have been deployed for the rescue operation."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Death toll crosses 200, 191 still missing &amp; many suspected to be buried</strong></p>

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<p>9.&nbsp;Union home minister Amit Shah alleged that the Kerala government did not act promptly on the central government's warning about potential landslides.</p>

<p>10.&nbsp;Kerala CM Vijayan refuted Amit Shah's claim, stating that only an orange alert was issued by the India Meteorological Department.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least 256 people have died and around 200 are still missing after massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad. The Army has rescued over 1,000 people and over 190 people are still missing, as reported by news agency PTI.

At least 256 people have died and around 200 are still missing after massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad. The Army has rescued over 1,000 people and over 190 people are still missing, as reported by news agency PTI. Also read | India: 4 dead, 200 pilgrims stranded as cloudburst hits Kedarnath route It may be mentioned here, that three landslides struck Wayanad on Tuesday (July 30) following heavy rain. Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages in the district were the worst affected due to the landslides. India's opposition leader and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi, along with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, visits a relief camp set up at a school in Kerala's landslide-hit region Video: news agency ANI#RahulGandhi #PriyankaGandhiVadra #Wayanad #WayanadLandslides pic.twitter.com/gSHvMRAA79 — WION (@WIONews) August 1, 2024 × Here are the top updates: 1. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have arrived at the disaster site and are set to visit relief camps and the medical college to support and meet with the affected families. #WATCH | In Wayanad, Congress MP & LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi says, "It is a terrible tragedy for Wayanad, for Kerala and the nation. We have come here to see the situation. It is painful to see how many people have lost family members and their houses. We will try to help and… pic.twitter.com/puqOMWRBYC — ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2024 × 2. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were scheduled to visit Wayanad on Wednesday, but they had to postpone their visit due to incessant rain and adverse weather conditions. #WATCH | After meeting Wayanad landslides survivors, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "We have spent a whole day meeting people who have suffered. It's an immense tragedy. We can only imagine the kind of pain the people are suffering. We are here to give as much… pic.twitter.com/3nI6dWGbMq — ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2024 × Also read: Watch: Kerala's raging Athirappilly Waterfall turns demonic amid heavy monsoon rains 3. A temporary Bailey bridge in Chooralmala is being constructed by the Army's Engineer Task Force from Madras Engineer Group. 4. An all-party meeting, chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, will be held in Wayanad on Thursday. 5. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted more rain for Wayanad and several other districts over the next couple of days. A red alert for heavy rain has been issued for Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod districts. 6. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 as compensation for the injured. 7. Kerala Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into a malicious campaign against the Chief Minister’s appeal for disaster relief following the devastating landslides in Wayanad. 8. The Health Minister Veena George said, "At least 1,500 army personnel have been deployed for the rescue operation." Watch: Death toll crosses 200, 191 still missing & many suspected to be buried × 9. Union home minister Amit Shah alleged that the Kerala government did not act promptly on the central government's warning about potential landslides. 10. Kerala CM Vijayan refuted Amit Shah's claim, stating that only an orange alert was issued by the India Meteorological Department. (With inputs from agencies)

Wayanad landslides: Death toll surpasses 200; Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka reach Kerala

<p>The death toll in the devastating series of landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district has reached to 143, with hundreds more injured or missing.</p>

<p>The multiple landslides caused widespread destruction, burying homes, uprooting trees, and blocking roads.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rescue teams are working tirelessly to find and rescue those trapped in the debris.</p>

<p><strong>Here are the latest updates:</strong></p>

<p>1. Indian Army has deployed around 300 personnel for rescue operations in Wayanad, while 140 are on standby in Thiruvananthapuram in case of emergency situation.</p>

<p>2. Over 120 rescued and injured persons are receiving treatment in Wayanad.</p>

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<p>3. All educational institutions will remain closed on Wednesday (Jul&nbsp;31). A holiday has been declared in 11 districts - Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta, reported Onmanorama.</p>

<p>4. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of more heavy rain in Kerala. An orange alert has been issued for Wayanad and surrounding districts, with predictions of intense rainfall on July 31 and August 1.</p>

<p>5. The Prime Minister's Office has announced compensation of Rs&nbsp;2 lakh for the families of those killed in the calamity. Those injured would be given Rs&nbsp;50,000.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-kashmiri-pandit-houses-gutted-in-anantnag-community-members-allege-sabotage-police-starts-investigation-745553" target="_blank">Five Kashmiri pandit houses gutted in Anantnag, community alleges sabotage</a></strong></p>

<p>6. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday evening to take stock of the rescue operations and review health and safety arrangements at the relief camps.</p>

<p>7. The Kerala Health Department has established a control room to assist those affected by the landslides. If you require urgent help, please contact the following numbers: 9656938689, 8086010833</p>

<p>8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi connected with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday morning and assured all help to the LDF government.</p>

<p>9.&nbsp;“I would like to say this is a tragedy of not just Kerala alone, but the entire nation is concerned… Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, The government of India is working proactively and doing everything necessary for the relief work in Kerala,” Union Minister JP Nadda said.</p>

<p>10.&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will likely visit Wayanad soon to observe the situation,&nbsp;Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal told ANI.</p>

<h2><strong>What caused deadly Kerala landslides?</strong></h2>

<p>A deadly combination of climate change, fragile topography, and rampant deforestation contributed to the catastrophic landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district, resulting in the tragic loss of &nbsp;lives. This conclusion is supported by extensive research conducted over the years.</p>

<p>A landslide atlas published by ISRO last year highlighted Kerala's vulnerability. Ten of India's top 30 landslide-prone districts are located in the state, with Wayanad ranking 13th. This data emphasizes the region's susceptibility to such disasters.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-wayanad-disaster-imd-issues-landslide-warning-for-karnataka-predicts-heavy-rains-745717">After Wayanad disaster, IMD issues landslide warning for Karnataka, predicts heavy rain</a></p>

<p>"The susceptibility of population and households is more significant in the Western Ghats due to the very high population and household density, especially in Kerala," the report read.</p>

<p>According to scientists, climate change is adding to the possibility of landslides in the Western Ghats, one of the eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity in the world.</p>

<p>The experts explained that the southeast Arabian Sea is heating up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This warming is causing the atmosphere over the region, including Kerala, to become increasingly unstable," said S Abhilash, director of the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The death toll in the devastating series of landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district has reached to 143, with hundreds more injured or missing. The multiple landslides caused widespread destruction, burying homes, uprooting trees, and blocking roads.

The death toll in the devastating series of landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district has reached to 143, with hundreds more injured or missing. The multiple landslides caused widespread destruction, burying homes, uprooting trees, and blocking roads. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to find and rescue those trapped in the debris. Here are the latest updates: 1. Indian Army has deployed around 300 personnel for rescue operations in Wayanad, while 140 are on standby in Thiruvananthapuram in case of emergency situation. 2. Over 120 rescued and injured persons are receiving treatment in Wayanad. × 3. All educational institutions will remain closed on Wednesday (Jul 31). A holiday has been declared in 11 districts - Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta, reported Onmanorama. 4. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of more heavy rain in Kerala. An orange alert has been issued for Wayanad and surrounding districts, with predictions of intense rainfall on July 31 and August 1. 5. The Prime Minister's Office has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed in the calamity. Those injured would be given Rs 50,000. Also read: Five Kashmiri pandit houses gutted in Anantnag, community alleges sabotage 6. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday evening to take stock of the rescue operations and review health and safety arrangements at the relief camps. 7. The Kerala Health Department has established a control room to assist those affected by the landslides. If you require urgent help, please contact the following numbers: 9656938689, 8086010833 8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi connected with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday morning and assured all help to the LDF government. 9. “I would like to say this is a tragedy of not just Kerala alone, but the entire nation is concerned… Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, The government of India is working proactively and doing everything necessary for the relief work in Kerala,” Union Minister JP Nadda said. 10. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will likely visit Wayanad soon to observe the situation, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal told ANI. What caused deadly Kerala landslides? A deadly combination of climate change, fragile topography, and rampant deforestation contributed to the catastrophic landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district, resulting in the tragic loss of lives. This conclusion is supported by extensive research conducted over the years. A landslide atlas published by ISRO last year highlighted Kerala's vulnerability. Ten of India's top 30 landslide-prone districts are located in the state, with Wayanad ranking 13th. This data emphasizes the region's susceptibility to such disasters. Also read: After Wayanad disaster, IMD issues landslide warning for Karnataka, predicts heavy rain "The susceptibility of population and households is more significant in the Western Ghats due to the very high population and household density, especially in Kerala," the report read. According to scientists, climate change is adding to the possibility of landslides in the Western Ghats, one of the eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity in the world. The experts explained that the southeast Arabian Sea is heating up. “This warming is causing the atmosphere over the region, including Kerala, to become increasingly unstable," said S Abhilash, director of the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). (With inputs from agencies)

Wayanad landslides: Death toll rises to 151; what caused deadly disaster in India's Kerala?

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday (July 31) that the Kerala government was warned about the landslides that have caused devastation in the Wayanad district, a week before they happened.</p>

<p>Speaking in the parliament, Shah said that the central government had informed the Pinarayi Vijayan-led administration on July 23 about the potential danger. Additionally, nine NDRF teams were sent to Kerala as heavy rainfall was predicted in the region.</p>

<p>He said that the central government had informed the Pinarayi Vijayan-led administration on July 23 about the potential danger. Additionally, nine NDRF teams were sent to Kerala as heavy rainfall was predicted in the region.</p>

<p>"Nine NDRF teams were sent by the Centre on July 23 fearing there may be landslides. What did the Kerala government do? Why did not the Kerala government evacuate people?" Shah asked in Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: Kashmiri Pandits houses set on fire, investigations on for the cause of fire</strong></p>

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<p>"The Centre has spent over Rs 2,000 crore for developing the early warning system since 2014. I want to clarify that on July 23, the Centre gave an early warning to the Kerala government, seven days before the incident, and then on July 24 and 25, we warned them again. On July 26, a warning was given that there was a chance of heavy rainfall of more than 20 cm, and there were chances of landslides," Shah said.</p>

<p>"India is among four countries that can provide warning on natural disasters at least seven days in advance," he continued.</p>

<p>The home minister also said that the deaths due to the landslides could have been minimised had the Kerala government been alert following the arrival of NDRF teams.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wayanad-landslides-death-toll-rises-to-143-several-still-trapped-745787">Wayanad landslides: Death toll rises to 151; what caused deadly disaster?</a></strong></p>

<p>“Members have raised questions about the Government of India's warning system. They are shouting ‘please listen to us,’ but I want to tell them, please read the warning sent to the state,” Shah said in Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>“When Odisha was being governed by the Naveen Patnaik-led government, we had sent an alert about the cyclone almost seven days in advance. Preparations were made, and just one person lost life, but even that was unfortunate,” Amit Shah said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah said that a similar warning was given to the Gujarat government three days before the cyclone, and because they took timely action, no lives were lost.</p>

<p>"The Narendra Modi government is standing like a rock with the Kerala government and the people to deal with the Wayanad tragedy," Shah said.</p>

<p>As of Wednesday, at least 158 people have lost their lives, and over 200 others have been injured after landslides triggered by heavy rains hit Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday (July 31) that the Kerala government was warned about the landslides that have caused devastation in the Wayanad district, a week before they happened.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday (July 31) that the Kerala government was warned about the landslides that have caused devastation in the Wayanad district, a week before they happened. Speaking in the parliament, Shah said that the central government had informed the Pinarayi Vijayan-led administration on July 23 about the potential danger. Additionally, nine NDRF teams were sent to Kerala as heavy rainfall was predicted in the region. He said that the central government had informed the Pinarayi Vijayan-led administration on July 23 about the potential danger. Additionally, nine NDRF teams were sent to Kerala as heavy rainfall was predicted in the region. "Nine NDRF teams were sent by the Centre on July 23 fearing there may be landslides. What did the Kerala government do? Why did not the Kerala government evacuate people?" Shah asked in Rajya Sabha. Watch | India: Kashmiri Pandits houses set on fire, investigations on for the cause of fire × "The Centre has spent over Rs 2,000 crore for developing the early warning system since 2014. I want to clarify that on July 23, the Centre gave an early warning to the Kerala government, seven days before the incident, and then on July 24 and 25, we warned them again. On July 26, a warning was given that there was a chance of heavy rainfall of more than 20 cm, and there were chances of landslides," Shah said. "India is among four countries that can provide warning on natural disasters at least seven days in advance," he continued. The home minister also said that the deaths due to the landslides could have been minimised had the Kerala government been alert following the arrival of NDRF teams. Also read: Wayanad landslides: Death toll rises to 151; what caused deadly disaster? “Members have raised questions about the Government of India's warning system. They are shouting ‘please listen to us,’ but I want to tell them, please read the warning sent to the state,” Shah said in Rajya Sabha. “When Odisha was being governed by the Naveen Patnaik-led government, we had sent an alert about the cyclone almost seven days in advance. Preparations were made, and just one person lost life, but even that was unfortunate,” Amit Shah said. Shah said that a similar warning was given to the Gujarat government three days before the cyclone, and because they took timely action, no lives were lost. "The Narendra Modi government is standing like a rock with the Kerala government and the people to deal with the Wayanad tragedy," Shah said. As of Wednesday, at least 158 people have lost their lives, and over 200 others have been injured after landslides triggered by heavy rains hit Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Wayanad landslides: Toll rises to 158; Home Minister Amit Shah says Kerala was given prior warning

<p>In one of the most catastrophic natural disasters to hit the Indian state of&nbsp;Kerala, landslides in the Wayanad district&nbsp;swept away homes, villages, killed over 100 people, while hundreds remain trapped under debris, heightening fears of increasing fatalities.</p>

<p>Heavy rains&nbsp;triggered multiple landslides in Wayanad district, which took the lives of&nbsp;108&nbsp; people on Tuesday (July 30) morning. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urged the Indian&nbsp;government to provide support,&nbsp;medical care and compensate the family of the deceased.</p>

<p>"Earlier this morning, Wayanad was hit by several devastating landslides. More than 70 people have been killed… I have spoken to the Honourable Defence Minister and the Chief Minister of Kerala. I request the Union government to extend all possible support for rescue and medical care, and immediate release of the compensation to those deceased. That compensation can be increased as well… and prepare a roadmap for the rehabilitation of the affected families,” Gandhi said, addressing the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Wayanad landslides: Hundreds suspected to be trapped, over 70 rescued; Army &amp; NDRF deployed for ops</strong></p>

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<p>“… Landslides loom over many areas in Wayanad and the Western Ghats. Our country has witnessed an alarming rise in landslides in the last few years. There is an urgent need for mapping of landslide-prone areas, and to take up mitigation measures and an action plan to address the growing frequency of natural calamities in the ecologically fragile regions,” he continued.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will likely visit Wayanad soon to observe the situation,&nbsp;Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal told ANI.</p>

<h2><strong>Wayanad landslides: Death toll rises&nbsp;to 108</strong></h2>

<p>As per the Kerala Revenue Minister's office, the death toll in the Wayanad landslide has risen to 108, and a total of 128 injuries have been reported, so far, with many more feared trapped under mud and debris.</p>

<p>According to officials, nearly 350 families reside in the affected region and 250 people have been rescued. Kerala government has declared official mourning in the state on Tuesday and Wednesday (July 31).</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-kashmiri-pandit-houses-gutted-in-anantnag-community-members-allege-sabotage-police-starts-investigation-745553">Five Kashmiri pandit houses gutted in Anantnag, community alleges sabotage</a></strong></p>

<p>"Wayanad landslide: Indian Army column reached the landslide site at Chooralmala by 1200 hours. Using ropes, soldiers are being ferried across the river which is in spate to assist and carry out rescue efforts in Ward No 10 of Chooralmala," Indian Army officials said.</p>

<h2><strong>'This is a tragedy of not just Kerala alone': JP Nadda</strong></h2>

<p>“I would like to say this is a tragedy of not just Kerala alone, but the entire nation is concerned… Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, The government of India is working proactively and doing everything necessary for the relief work in Kerala,” Union Minister JP Nadda said.</p>

<p>“On behalf of the government, I assure you that whatever is needed will be done…The PM spoke with the Kerala CM and gave him assurance. Support from central agencies for relief has reached there. Work is being done in coordination with the state government. Right now, the primary concern lies in recovering the bodies and save those who can be saved… We should activate the Emergency Response System,” he said in the Upper House of the Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha).</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi won from Wayanad in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections but resigned to keep Rae Bareli, a family bastion. Wayanad is&nbsp;lauded as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in South India for its&nbsp;tea and cardamom estates.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In one of the most catastrophic natural disasters to hit the Indian state of Kerala, landslides in the Wayanad district swept away homes, villages, killed over 100 people, while hundreds remain trapped under debris, heightening fears of increasing fatalities.

In one of the most catastrophic natural disasters to hit the Indian state of Kerala, landslides in the Wayanad district swept away homes, villages, killed over 100 people, while hundreds remain trapped under debris, heightening fears of increasing fatalities. Heavy rains triggered multiple landslides in Wayanad district, which took the lives of 108 people on Tuesday (July 30) morning. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urged the Indian government to provide support, medical care and compensate the family of the deceased. "Earlier this morning, Wayanad was hit by several devastating landslides. More than 70 people have been killed… I have spoken to the Honourable Defence Minister and the Chief Minister of Kerala. I request the Union government to extend all possible support for rescue and medical care, and immediate release of the compensation to those deceased. That compensation can be increased as well… and prepare a roadmap for the rehabilitation of the affected families,” Gandhi said, addressing the Lok Sabha. Watch | Wayanad landslides: Hundreds suspected to be trapped, over 70 rescued; Army & NDRF deployed for ops × “… Landslides loom over many areas in Wayanad and the Western Ghats. Our country has witnessed an alarming rise in landslides in the last few years. There is an urgent need for mapping of landslide-prone areas, and to take up mitigation measures and an action plan to address the growing frequency of natural calamities in the ecologically fragile regions,” he continued. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will likely visit Wayanad soon to observe the situation, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal told ANI. Wayanad landslides: Death toll rises to 108 As per the Kerala Revenue Minister's office, the death toll in the Wayanad landslide has risen to 108, and a total of 128 injuries have been reported, so far, with many more feared trapped under mud and debris. According to officials, nearly 350 families reside in the affected region and 250 people have been rescued. Kerala government has declared official mourning in the state on Tuesday and Wednesday (July 31). Also read: Five Kashmiri pandit houses gutted in Anantnag, community alleges sabotage "Wayanad landslide: Indian Army column reached the landslide site at Chooralmala by 1200 hours. Using ropes, soldiers are being ferried across the river which is in spate to assist and carry out rescue efforts in Ward No 10 of Chooralmala," Indian Army officials said. 'This is a tragedy of not just Kerala alone': JP Nadda “I would like to say this is a tragedy of not just Kerala alone, but the entire nation is concerned… Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, The government of India is working proactively and doing everything necessary for the relief work in Kerala,” Union Minister JP Nadda said. “On behalf of the government, I assure you that whatever is needed will be done…The PM spoke with the Kerala CM and gave him assurance. Support from central agencies for relief has reached there. Work is being done in coordination with the state government. Right now, the primary concern lies in recovering the bodies and save those who can be saved… We should activate the Emergency Response System,” he said in the Upper House of the Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha). Rahul Gandhi won from Wayanad in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections but resigned to keep Rae Bareli, a family bastion. Wayanad is lauded as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in South India for its tea and cardamom estates. (With inputs from agencies)

Wayanad landslides: Death toll crosses 100, many still feared trapped in debris

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