Kerala landslide: 123 dead, hundreds trapped under debris

Vehicles stuck in debris. Pic/PTI

"It happened suddenly, just after midnight. Many were asleep and couldn't escape," said Prince Joseph from Chundale, Wayanad. The landslide in Chooralmala and Mundakkai has killed at least 123 people, with 195 hospitalised and hundreds still missing, including children.

Damage caused by the landslide

Heavy rainfall in recent days

Wayanad had heavy rain for days, and a specific alert was issued on Monday. "The Chaliyar River overflowed, causing a flood and strong currents that made rescue difficult. By midnight, the river burst its banks during a massive landslide, destroying everything in its path - homes, schools, people, livestock, and wild animals," said A K Prasad from Wayanad.

Rescue work hampered

The Kerala Fire Force, Territorial Army, Indian Army Corps of Engineers, Indian Navy, and four NDRF teams are involved in the rescue effort. "Rescue work was halted because high river currents washed away the bridge between Chooralmala and Mundakkal, making it too dangerous to cross," said a district official. "Plans to airlift the team were scrapped due to severe weather and landslide risks. The Army is now working on a temporary bridge," officials added.

Army dogs called in

The Army's dog squad from Meerut and Forest Department drones are also helping with the search.

Disease control

Injured people are being treated at state and private hospitals, with some transferred to Calicut. Autopsies have been done on deceased individuals, and bodies are being prepared for mass funerals. Health Minister Veena George reviewed hospital arrangements and was instructed to ensure bed availability and prevent disease spread. "Directions have also been issued to prevent the spread of infectious diseases," a district official stated. "Local Self Government Principal Director Seeram Sambasiva Rao has been appointed as the special officer to coordinate the disaster management and relief operations in Wayanad," said a state official.

Tourist destination

Jobi Vythiri from Wayanad said Chooralmala and Mundakkal are known for tea plantations and the Attamala Digital Glass Bridge is a toursit desitnation. "This area has many resorts and had experienced a landslide in 2018/2019 at Puthumala, which killed more than fifteen people, then, a few kilometres from Tuesday's incident," Jobi said.

Official mourning

Kerala has declared July 30 and 31 as days of mourning. Chief Secretary Dr V V Venu said the national flag will be at half-mast, and all public events will be postponed.

Control room set up

Control rooms are set up at the Health Minister's Office and the Health Department Directorate. Dr Jeevan Babu and his team will manage local activities.

Contact numbers are:
- Health Minister's Office: 8075401745
- Wayanad District: 0493-6202529
- State-Level: 0471-2327628, 2518637

Annie Raja demands disaster status

Annie Raja of the CPI, who contested from Wayanad, expressed shock and grief over the disaster in her constituency. "I have urged the central government to declare the Wayanad incident a National Disaster for necessary aid," she said.

Raja also criticised the recent budget for lacking support for Kerala's tourism, noting, "Kerala, facing severe weather challenges, received no financial assistance."

She added that three wards with about 5,000 people are completely cut off. "I'll be heading to Wayanad on Wednesday to participate in rescue efforts and provide support," Raja said. She noted she isn't carrying relief materials yet but will arrange them upon arrival.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is also set to visit the affected areas on Wednesday.