Beautiful Hamlets Turn Gloomy | Tragic Massive Landslides in Wayanad district early on July 30

Beautiful Hamlets Turn Gloomy |  Tragic Massive Landslides in Wayanad district early on July 30 | Burying Vast Areas under Debris | Updates and Relief Efforts

Devastating Impact of Wayanad Landslides :

Massive landslides struck Kerala's Wayanad district early on July 30, burying vast areas under debris. At least 123 people lost their lives, and many more are missing. 

The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of those who perished.

Beautiful Hamlets Turn Gloomy:

Picturesque villages like Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, known for their scenic beauty, now stand devastated. Floodwaters swept vehicles away, and large boulders hindered rescue efforts. Heavy rains complicated the rescue operations as workers bravely shifted the dead and injured to ambulances.

Red Alert Issued by IMD:

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Wayanad and other northern districts, indicating extremely heavy rainfall. 

An orange alert was also issued for several central districts. The intense rain exacerbated the already saturated soil, leading to catastrophic landslides.

Rainfall Records and Further Warnings:

  

Wayanad’s Thettamala station recorded 409 mm of rain within 24 hours, while Vadakkanecherry saw 340 mm. 

The heavy rain is expected to continue for a few more days, driven by an offshore trough along the Gujarat to Kerala coast. 

The IMD has also issued orange and yellow alerts for various districts, warning of continued heavy rainfall.

Rescue Operations and Government Response:

Rescue operations are in full swing, with the Indian Army, NDRF, and other agencies working tirelessly. Around 150 people were rescued from Mudakkayi village. 

The Army has deployed four columns of personnel and set up a Command-and-Control center in Kozhikode. Helicopter reconnaissance is being conducted to assess damage and direct rescue efforts.

Efforts by Local and Central Authorities:

  

Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other government officials are actively monitoring the situation. Former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi will visit the district to assess relief efforts. 

The Defence Ministry has dispatched rescue dog teams and heavy engineering equipment to aid in the search and rescue operations.

Heart-Wrenching Scenes and Pleas for Help:

Scenes of people crying and pleading for rescue, trapped in their homes or stranded, have emerged. The local community and authorities are working together to provide aid and evacuate those in danger. The public can provide information to the control room at 9497900402 or 0471 2721566.

Conclusion: A Call for Support and Solidarity:

The landslides in Wayanad have left a trail of destruction and loss. With rescue operations ongoing, the combined efforts of local and central authorities aim to provide relief and support to the affected communities. 

As the situation unfolds, continuous monitoring and timely action are crucial to mitigate further tragedies and help those impacted by this natural disaster.

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