The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted ‘heavy to very heavy rainfall’ in isolated areas of Kerala for Wednesday. This warning follows devastating landslides in two villages, which were caused by relentless rainfall over the past several days in the southern state, resulting in at least 148 fatalities and 128 injuries, with many individuals still unaccounted for.
A similar warning for ‘heavy to very heavy rainfall’ is also in effect for August 1, while the subsequent day is expected to bring ‘heavy’ rainfall. The IMD has indicated that “strong surface winds with speeds of 30-40 km/h, gusting up to 50 km/h, are likely to occur intermittently over Kerala on July 31.” The significant landslides on Tuesday affected the Mundakkai and Chooramala regions within the Vellarimala village of the Meppadi Panchayat, occurring at 2:00 AM and 4:10 AM, respectively.
In response to this calamity, all educational institutions will be closed on Wednesday. Furthermore, a holiday has been declared in 11 districts: Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta. Additionally, the Kerala government has announced a period of official mourning, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast. All public events and celebratory activities organized by the government have been postponed.
Death toll now at 148
The Kerala government has announced that the death toll in the Wayanad landslides has now reached 148. Individuals whose remains have been confirmed are being returned to their relatives for final ceremonies.
Army lists out actions planned for the day
The NDRF and civil administration will collaborate with all six columns to carry out rescue operations. The construction of a bridge on the Meepadi – Chooralmala Road will begin, and specific earth-moving equipment will be transported across the stream using air support. Brigadier Seagan and the ETF Commander are scheduled to conduct an aerial reconnaissance at 09:30 hours. Further resource needs will be evaluated based on the aerial reconnaissance and the requirements of the civil administration, as stated by the Indian Army.
What factors may have caused the landslides?
Researchers have indicated that the catastrophic landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, may be attributed to a confluence of factors, including climate change, rampant mining activities, and the depletion of forest cover in the area.
Rescue Operations are being conducted by a team of 500-600 personnel
The rescue efforts have been in progress since yesterday morning. Due to adverse weather conditions yesterday, the rescue teams were unable to save many individuals. Today, approximately 500 to 600 personnel from the NDRF team, army, state police, forest officials, and volunteers are engaged in the rescue operations. Our primary goal is to reconstruct the bridge to facilitate the entry of earth-moving equipment and simplify the digging process. Currently, we are carrying out the process manually,” stated Brigadier Arjun Seagan, Commandant, Para Regimental Training Centre.
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