On Tuesday in the early hours, Wayanad district was hit by a massive landslide, leaving 120 people injured and many trapped. Heavy rains battered God’s Own Country, Kerala. Rescue operations are ongoing, and according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the rains are expected to continue until August 1st.
At the request of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Navy has started rescue operations in Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha towns, which are badly affected. Chooralmala is the worst hit, where nearly 120 people have been injured and are receiving treatment. 250 members, including Civil Defence, NDRF, and local emergency teams, are working on rescue operations in Kerala landslide areas.
On Tuesday, five ministers were on duty to oversee the incident. According to reports, the first slide occurred at 2 AM, followed by another at 4:10 AM, which divided the region into two.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 Lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Kerala Chief Minister has declared state-wide mourning on July 30th and 31st.
NDRF teams warn that a landslide is also expected in Kozhikode. They are doing their best to carry out rescue operations.
IMD has issued a red alert in eight districts of Kerala: Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. An orange alert has been issued for the Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts.
