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.

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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 
 
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>
— 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>
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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.

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;

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>

"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.

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;

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;

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;

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.

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

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;

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;

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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 
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>
— 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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"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;

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>

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;

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;

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.

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. 
&nbsp;

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

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.

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 |&nbsp;India: Death toll touches 358 in Kerala landslides

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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:&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>

"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.

On Saturday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced&nbsp;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.&nbsp;

"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)

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

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.&nbsp;

2. Around 40 rescue teams, along with cadaver dogs, are conducting search operations in six zones of the landslide-hit areas.

Also read:&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>

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).

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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.

(With inputs from agencies)

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

Over 300 people have died and around 200 are still missing after massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad. Watch in for more details!

Wayanad landslides: Over 300 killed, more than 200 others injured

At least 298 people have died and around 200 are still missing after massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad. Watch in for more details!

Wayanad landslides: At least 298 killed, over 200 others injured

In a terrifying&nbsp;incident&nbsp;from Kerala’s landslide-ravaged Wayanad, a grandmother and her granddaughter were found nestled beneath the feet of a wild elephant.

Sujatha Aninanchira and her family made&nbsp;one of the most daring escapes from the Chooralmala landslides, when their home was flattened by rubble in the wee hours of Tuesday (Jul 30).&nbsp;

The entire family of five people was trapped in the landslide until they extricated themselves from the rubble and climbed to a hillock only to find a tusker and two female elephants to their relief.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-landslides-440-rescue-teams-begin-search-for-survivors-in-wayanad-746476">Wayanad landslide: 4 found alive amid toll mounting to 326 | Top updates</a>

Sujatha, sitting in a relief camp at Mepadi GHSS with her granddaughter recounts the harrowing experience of being hit by a landslide and eventually finding some solace in a group of elephants- a story that is no less than a miracle.

“It was pitch dark and just half a metre away from us was a wild tusker. It too seemed terrified. I mumbled a request to the elephant, saying I had just survived a disaster and asked it to spare us to allow us to lie down for the night and let someone rescue us,” Sujatha said.

Her face revealed the terror of the night when she escaped from the collapsing house, holding on to her grandchild.

"The water was like the sea. Trees were floating by. When I looked outside, my neighbour's two-story house was collapsing. It fell and destroyed our house. I heard my granddaughter, Mridula, crying as I was trying to get out. I grabbed hold of her little finger, covered her with a cloth, and began swimming through the flooding water."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/monsoon-mayhem-kedarnath-route-battered-with-heavy-rain-14-dead-700-stranded-rescue-operation-underway-746499">Monsoon mayhem: Kedarnath route battered with heavy rain; 14 dead, 700 stranded- rescue operation underway</a>

Her son Gigeesh, his wife Sujitha, and her grandson Suraj were in another house nearby. Gigeesh dragged them one by one through the water. Sujitha's back and Suraj's chest were badly injured. When they finally reached the shore and moved through the coffee plantation, the elephant appeared in their path.

Sujatha said she tried to ask for help while swimming down gushing water but no one could hear her.&nbsp;

“The others lay in the coffee plantation, while my granddaughter and I huddled beneath the feet of the elephant. The situation continued until dawn” said Sujatha.

Sujatha with her granddaughter remained nestled near the elephant’s feet till 6:00 am (local time), after which they were rescued by some people.&nbsp;

“I could see its eyes welling up as the dawn broke,” Sujatha recounts about the elephant.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a terrifying incident from Kerala’s landslide-ravaged Wayanad, a grandmother and her granddaughter were found nestled beneath the feet of a wild elephant. Sujatha Aninanchira and her family made one of the most daring escapes from the Chooralmala landslides, when their home was flattened by rubble in the wee hours of Tuesday (Jul 30).

In a terrifying incident from Kerala’s landslide-ravaged Wayanad, a grandmother and her granddaughter were found nestled beneath the feet of a wild elephant. Sujatha Aninanchira and her family made one of the most daring escapes from the Chooralmala landslides, when their home was flattened by rubble in the wee hours of Tuesday (Jul 30). The entire family of five people was trapped in the landslide until they extricated themselves from the rubble and climbed to a hillock only to find a tusker and two female elephants to their relief. Also Read | Wayanad landslide: 4 found alive amid toll mounting to 326 | Top updates Sujatha, sitting in a relief camp at Mepadi GHSS with her granddaughter recounts the harrowing experience of being hit by a landslide and eventually finding some solace in a group of elephants- a story that is no less than a miracle. “It was pitch dark and just half a metre away from us was a wild tusker. It too seemed terrified. I mumbled a request to the elephant, saying I had just survived a disaster and asked it to spare us to allow us to lie down for the night and let someone rescue us,” Sujatha said. Her face revealed the terror of the night when she escaped from the collapsing house, holding on to her grandchild. "The water was like the sea. Trees were floating by. When I looked outside, my neighbour's two-story house was collapsing. It fell and destroyed our house. I heard my granddaughter, Mridula, crying as I was trying to get out. I grabbed hold of her little finger, covered her with a cloth, and began swimming through the flooding water." Also Read | Monsoon mayhem: Kedarnath route battered with heavy rain; 14 dead, 700 stranded- rescue operation underway Her son Gigeesh, his wife Sujitha, and her grandson Suraj were in another house nearby. Gigeesh dragged them one by one through the water. Sujitha's back and Suraj's chest were badly injured. When they finally reached the shore and moved through the coffee plantation, the elephant appeared in their path. Sujatha said she tried to ask for help while swimming down gushing water but no one could hear her. “The others lay in the coffee plantation, while my granddaughter and I huddled beneath the feet of the elephant. The situation continued until dawn” said Sujatha. Sujatha with her granddaughter remained nestled near the elephant’s feet till 6:00 am (local time), after which they were rescued by some people. “I could see its eyes welling up as the dawn broke,” Sujatha recounts about the elephant. (With inputs from agencies)

'I could see their eyes welling up': Woman recounts how wild elephants guarded family from Wayanad landslides