The toll rose to 63 in the landslides that hit Kerala’s hilly Wayanad district on Tuesday, according to state Health Minister Veena George.
George, speaking to reporters, said 23 bodies have been recovered so far and were kept in various hospital morgues.
Of those killed, four people, including a child, died in Chooralmala town of the district, while a one-year-old child of a family from Nepal died in Thondernad village, according to the Wayanad district authorities.
Besides that, three bodies, including that of a five-year-old, were recovered from the banks of a river near Pothukal village, authorities said.
Additionally, hundreds are feared to be trapped, but the authorities have not confirmed the same.
State Revenue Minister K Rajan said that over 70 persons who were injured in the landslides have been admitted to various hospitals.
Kerala CM overseas relief
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Tuesday that all government agencies have joined the search and rescue operations in the wake of massive landslides that struck various hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district. He added that in the wake of the landslides and other rain-related disasters in Wayanad district, the Health Department — National Health Mission — has opened a control room. Those in need of emergency assistance can contact authorities through these two numbers — 9656938689 and 8086010833.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has said that Fireforce and NDRF teams have been deployed to the affected area, with an additional NDRF team en route to Wayanad. Two teams of Kannur Defence Security Corps have also been instructed to move to Wayanad to assist in the rescue efforts, according to a Facebook post by the KSDMA.
All events postponed
Pinarayi Vijayan has announced the postponement of all government events in the wake of the massive landslide that struck Wayanad. This decision comes as a mark of respect for the victims and to prioritize the state’s emergency response efforts. The landslide has caused significant devastation in several hamlets, leading to loss of lives and trapping many under debris.
Modi condoles
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the incident and said that he spoke to Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre to the state. “Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. “Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there,” Modi said in a post on social media platform X.