Wayanad Landslide- 308 dead, rescue operations on, US extends condolences

New Delhi, August 2

From what looked as a single incident of landslide in Kerala's Wayanad has turned out to be a horror with over 300 people dead so far and rescuers racing against time to find the trapped persons alive or dead beneath the destroyed homes. 

308 people have died in the landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in the hilly areas of Wayanad.

The rescue operations, which entered the fourth day with the state and national disaster response force, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard joining the operations. 

Over 200 people suffered injuries as rescue efforts were hampered by various challenges, including treacherous terrain due to destroyed roads and bridges, and a shortage of equipment and a shortage of heavy equipment, making it difficult for emergency personnel to clear mud and uprooted trees that fell on houses and other buildings.

The officials said that as rescue operations have been intensified, 40 rescue personnel will divide the search areas into six zones to carry out the rescue operations. 

The first zone consists of Attamala and Aaranmala. Mundakkai is the second zone, Punjirimattam is the third zone, Vellarmala Village Road is the fourth zone, GVHSS Vellarmala is the fifth zone and downstream of the river Chaliyar is the sixth zone, officials said. 

The police personnel from eight police stations surrounding the river and locals who are experts in swimming will also participate in the searches. Four more dogs from Tamil Nadu will be brought to Wayanad today to join the six other canines who are already involved in the rescue operations.

As many as 25 ambulances will cross the Bailey Bridge constructed by the Indian Army in record time to Mundakkai after the structure collapsed due to the landslides.

US President Joe Biden extended his condolences to the families of those who died in the landslides in Wayanad and praised the rescuers for their commitment and bravery despite the challenges in the recovery efforts.