A tragic incident unfolded as massive landslides struck Wayanad, resulting in the loss of 43 lives with many more feared trapped due to heavy rainfall in Kerala. The rescue efforts are being carried out by a team of 250 members from various emergency response units, including Fire and Rescue, Civil Defence, NDRF, and Local Emergency Response Teams. An additional NDRF team has been dispatched to the location promptly, as confirmed by officials. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has pledged full coordination of rescue operations in the affected areas of Wayanad. Expressing deep sorrow over the casualties caused by the landslides, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of complete support from the Centre to manage the crisis effectively.
The prime minister declared a payment of ₹ 2 lakh for the families of the deceased. Those who were injured will receive ₹ 50,000.
Updates on Wayanad landslides:
In response to the landslides that struck Wayanad and led to the deaths of at least 43 people, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the postponement of all state government public events scheduled for Tuesday.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and former Member of Parliament from Wayanad, expressed his deep distress over the significant landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. He mentioned that he has already communicated with the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector, who have assured him that rescue operations are currently in progress.
He also stated that he has asked them to ensure coordination with all relevant agencies, establish a control room, and keep him informed about any assistance required for the relief efforts. Additionally, he mentioned that he will be reaching out to Union Ministers to request all possible assistance for Wayanad. Lastly, he urged all workers of the United Democratic Front (UDF) to support the administration in the ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Kerala Minister AK Saseendran visits the injured in the Wayanad landslide at the Meppady Hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his distress regarding the casualties caused by landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district and pledged full support from the Centre to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in managing the situation. Additionally, he declared a compensation of ₹ 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹ 50,000 for the injured.