The death toll from the devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district has risen dramatically, with various sources reporting between 143 and 151 fatalities as of July 31, 2024. This marks a significant increase from the initial report of 8 deaths, highlighting the catastrophic scale of the disaster. Hundreds are still feared trapped under debris, and the number of injured has climbed to around 200.The landslides, triggered by torrential rains, have caused widespread destruction in the hilly areas of Wayanad, particularly in the Mundakkai and Chooramala regions. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the devastation, stating, ‘Due to the intense rainfall, landslides occurred, and an entire region has been destroyed’. The disaster has affected nearly 350 families, with over 3,000 people relocated to 45 relief camps.Rescue operations, led by multiple agencies including the Army, Navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local teams, have been ongoing for over 24 hours. These efforts have been significantly hampered by continuing heavy rainfall, damaged infrastructure, and the challenging terrain. The Army has deployed 200 soldiers and has managed to rescue over 1,000 people using a temporary bridge after the permanent one was washed away.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured all possible assistance from the central government and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The Kerala government has declared two days of official mourning, and various political leaders have visited the affected areas to assess the situation.As rescue efforts continue, there are growing concerns about the potential for further landslides in the region. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for very heavy rains in Kerala, indicating that the situation remains precarious. The disaster has prompted calls for improved disaster preparedness and mitigation measures in landslide-prone areas.
Key points
- The death toll from landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district has risen to over 140, with hundreds still missing.
- Rescue operations involving multiple agencies are ongoing, hampered by continued heavy rainfall and damaged infrastructure.
- The Indian government has pledged support and compensation for victims, while the state has declared official mourning.
- The disaster highlights the need for improved preparedness and mitigation measures in landslide-prone areas.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported death toll, with figures ranging from 143 to 151.
👾Some sources report 200 injured, while others mention 128 or 130.
