Wayanad: On Tuesday, a series of devastating landslides triggered by intense monsoon rains claimed the lives of more than 125 people in Kerala’s Wayanad district. The situation remains dire with hundreds of individuals feared trapped beneath mud and debris. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued warnings of heavy rainfall for the region.
In response to the crisis, the Indian Army has been deployed, including four columns: two from the 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) and two from the DSC Centre, Kannur. A critical temporary bridge that connected the affected area to the nearest town was also destroyed, further complicating rescue efforts. Additionally, the Indian Air Force has mobilized two helicopters to assist in the operations, as confirmed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office.
Rescue operations face significant challenges due to the lack of internet connectivity in the area, according to a rescue official. State Forest Minister AK Saseendran emphasized the seriousness of the situation and stated that all available resources are being utilized to support rescue efforts.
The district administration has established a special control room at the police headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram to coordinate the response.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured support from the central government. The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of each deceased victim. The injured will receive ₹50,000 in assistance, as announced in a statement from the Prime Minister’s office on X.