On July 30, 2024, Kerala's Wayanad district was struck by a catastrophic rain-induced landslide, resulting in the tragic death of 45 individuals, including a Nepali national and a one-year-old child. The landslide has severed access to at least four villages: Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, compounding the crisis as hundreds remain feared trapped.

In response to this disaster, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has mobilized two Air Force helicopters to airlift affected families from the landslide-ravaged region. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has already recovered several bodies and managed to rescue one survivor from the debris. The Indian Army, with approximately 225 personnel, including medical staff, has been deployed to enhance the rescue operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has communicated with Kerala’s Chief Minister, promising extensive support from the Centre. The PM's office has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi have also been involved in coordinating the response.

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What Happened:

The landslide primarily affected Chooralmala and Thondernad areas, located approximately 460 kilometers north of Thiruvananthapuram. Rescue efforts are underway, with UDF MLA T Siddique reporting plans to airlift individuals from the Mundakkai area.

Search and rescue operations continue despite incomplete information about the number of missing and deceased. NDRF personnel are striving to access the most severely affected areas.

Rahul Gandhi, former MP for Wayanad, has expressed condolences and is working with the Chief Minister and the Centre to ensure additional support. His communication via X (formerly Twitter) emphasizes the need for comprehensive assistance.

Rescue and Recovery:

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has mobilized Fireforce and NDRF teams to the site, with additional teams being sent to expedite the rescue efforts. The heavy ongoing rainfall is complicating these operations, with the situation expected to persist.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red’ alert for Wayanad and Kannur, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall. A red alert indicates the potential for over 20 cm of rainfall within 24 hours.

Initial reports suggest that 29 houses have been partially damaged, and around 700 people have been relocated to shelter camps. The combination of the landslide and ongoing severe weather presents a formidable challenge to the rescue and recovery efforts in Wayanad.

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