Rescue operations in Kerala’s Wayanad resumed on Thursday as efforts to build a Bailey bridge to connect landslide-affected areas continued. This bridge is crucial in one of the largest rescue missions in the hill district, which has been devastated by recent disasters.
The landslides that struck Wayanad on Tuesday have claimed at least 256 lives and left hundreds injured. The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local emergency teams are engaged in extensive search and rescue operations to find those believed to be trapped.
– Rescue Efforts: On Thursday, rescue teams intensified their operations across several landslide-hit areas in Wayanad. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reported that 191 individuals are still missing. Vijayan noted that the coordinated efforts of the NDRF, Army, and other agencies have already saved over 1,500 people from the disaster.
– Political Response: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra traveled to Wayanad to assess the situation. Rahul Gandhi, who previously served as an MP for Wayanad, recently resigned from this seat to focus on his role representing Rae Bareli.
– Aerial Inspection: Chief Minister Vijayan conducted an aerial survey of the affected district, accompanied by Chief Secretary Dr. V. Venu and DGP Shaik Darvesh Sahib.
– International Condolences: Global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, have expressed their condolences over the tragedy. Putin’s letter to President Droupadi Murmu conveyed sincere sympathy and support for the victims and their families.
– Rescue and Relief Efforts: In Mundakkai, which was isolated by the landslides, makeshift bridges and pulleys have been set up to transport stranded individuals and recover bodies. Rescuers have been forced to use hammers and pickaxes to access collapsed homes due to the lack of heavy machinery and infrastructure.
– Bridge Construction: The construction of a Bailey bridge is progressing steadily, despite adverse weather conditions. The Defence PRO reported that the Madras Engineers Group (MEG) is making significant headway at Choorlamalai.
– Local Impact: In response to the devastation, seven districts in Kerala have declared a holiday for Thursday.
– Social Media and Investigations: Kerala police have launched an investigation into a social media campaign allegedly targeting Chief Minister Vijayan’s Facebook post seeking aid for the landslide victims. The Wayanad Cybercrime police are examining the campaign for potential attempts to disrupt relief efforts.
– Weather and Warnings:Chief Minister Vijayan denied Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claim that the state had been warned about potential landslides earlier. Vijayan clarified that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued only an orange alert before the landslides, while Wayanad received over 500 millimeters of rain, far exceeding predictions.
The massive landslides affected several villages, including Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, leading to significant loss of life and property.