The devastating landslides that struck the hilly areas near Meppadi early on Tuesday have led to a tragic loss of life, with the death toll now rising to 158. Hundreds have been injured, and rescue operations are intensifying as agencies work tirelessly to locate and save those still trapped.
Several rescue teams, including the Indian Army, Fire Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have ramped up their efforts to trace missing individuals. The Indian Army, in close coordination with the NDRF and other agencies, is leading the rescue missions in the affected regions.
Currently, 1,200 rescue workers from various forces including the Indian Army, DSC Centre, Territorial Army, NDRF, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF) are on the ground in the landslide-affected Chooralmala area in Wayanad. Their concerted efforts have already led to the rescue of 19 civilians stranded in Ela Resort and Vana Rani Resort beyond Mundkai village.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has also mobilized its disaster relief units from Kochi and Beypore to provide aid and support to those impacted by the landslide. Meanwhile, the IAF has deployed a C-17 Globemaster aircraft loaded with essential bridging stores and equipment from Hindon Air Force Station in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad. This aircraft, carrying Indian Army personnel and materials for constructing a Bailey Bridge, is set to arrive at Kannur International Airport at approximately 11:30 AM.
The construction of the Bailey Bridge, which is crucial for boosting the ongoing search and rescue operations, will be overseen by Captain Puran Singh Natha Vath of the Kannur Defense Security Forces (DSC). The bridge construction materials will be transported to Wayanad in 17 trucks.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited the SDRF Centre in Wayanad today, holding an all-party meeting to address the crisis. The state government has yet to finalize compensation for the families of the deceased and injured.
Adding to the challenges, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Wayanad, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in the region over the next 24 hours.
