Landslides in Kerala's Wayanad Leave 11 Dead and Hundreds Stranded

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, heavy rains in Kerala's Wayanad district caused massive landslides early in the morning, tragically killing 11 people and causing extensive damage. The landslides affected the Meppadi, Mupadaikkal, and Chooralmala hills, with the first incident occurring around 1 AM in Mupadaikkal.

The subsequent landslide struck Chooralmala at approximately 4 AM, hampering ongoing rescue operations. The disaster caused a school, a house, and a school bus to be submerged in mud and water. Kerala Health Minister Veena George reported that six bodies were transported to Meppadi Community Health Center and five to a private medical college.

In Chooralmala, a bridge collapse has left around 400 families stranded. Numerous injuries have been reported, and several homes have been swept away. Power outages throughout the region are complicating efforts to assess the full extent of the damage. In response, the Kerala government has mobilized all available resources for rescue operations. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that all government agencies are engaged in the rescue mission. Two teams from the Kannur Defense Security Corps are expected to arrive soon, and two Air Force helicopters are set to take off from Sulur at 7:30 AM.

Chief Minister’s Office announced the opening of a control room by the Health Department and National Health Mission to manage the crisis. Emergency contact numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 have been issued for those needing assistance. The meteorological department has issued a heavy rainfall warning for Malappuram and Kannur districts over the next three hours, extending to Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Malappuram districts, predicting heavy to very heavy rain in isolated areas.

Kerala's Wayanad district is currently grappling with the aftermath of these deadly landslides. Rescue operations are in full swing, and further weather warnings indicate the potential for continued adverse conditions.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over loss of lives due to landslides in parts of Wayanad, Kerala. He has also spoken to Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Central Government in the wake of the prevailing situation there.

The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia from PMNRF of Rs. 2 lakhs to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those injured. The Prime Minister posted on X;

“Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue operations are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Center in the wake of the prevailing situation there.”

 "We are saddened by the landslides in some parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones. Praying for the injured. Rescue operations are underway to help the victims. Spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Shri @pinarayivijayan and assured all possible help from Center in view of prevailing situation there.”