Wayanad Landslides: Rescue Operations Continue as Death Toll Rises Above 120

Tragedy struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district early this morning as a series of devastating landslides resulted in the recovery of at least 122 bodies and left 197 persons injured. In the wake of this catastrophe, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, who were scheduled to visit the affected families on Wednesday, had to postpone their visit due to adverse weather conditions. Rahul Gandhi communicated this on social media platform X, noting that the authorities had informed them of the impossibility of landing due to incessant rains.

The Kerala government has declared a two-day state mourning in response to the disaster. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called for unity and collective efforts to rebuild the shattered lives, drawing parallels to the resilient recovery following the 2018 floods in the state. Rescue operations are in full swing, with the army deploying 200 soldiers from the Defence Security Corps and a medical team to aid the efforts. Additionally, two helicopters from the Air Force Station in Sulur have been dispatched to assist with the operations. CM Vijayan announced that 45 camps have been established in Wayanad, providing shelter to more than 3000 people who have been displaced by the landslides.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of each deceased individual, along with Rs. 50,000 for those injured. Leader of Opposition and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Addressing the Lower House, Gandhi urged the Union Government to provide all necessary support for rescue and medical care and to expedite compensation for the victims’ families. He suggested an increase in the compensation amount and highlighted the urgent need for mapping landslide-prone areas and implementing measures to mitigate such natural disasters, given the alarming rise in landslides in Wayanad and the Western Ghats.

The disaster has prompted a massive response from the state and central governments, with coordinated efforts to provide immediate relief and long-term support to the affected communities. The focus now shifts to rescue operations, medical aid, and rehabilitation for those who have lost their homes and loved ones in this tragic event.