Published Jul 30, 2024 | 12:38 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 30, 2024 | 1:45 PM
Representative image of a landslide
Over 42 people including children were killed in the massive pre-dawn landslides in the Wayanad district of Kerala. Many are feared trapped, as the rescue operations are being hindered by ongoing heavy rainfall.
Health Minister Veena George, speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning, 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.
State Revenue Minister K Rajan said that over 70 persons who were injured in the landslides have been admitted to various hospitals.
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,” Modi said in a post on social media platform X.
വയനാടിൻ്റെ ചില ഭാഗങ്ങളിൽ ഉണ്ടായ ഉരുൾപൊട്ടലിൽ ദുഃഖമുണ്ട്. പ്രിയപ്പെട്ടവരെ നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ട എല്ലാവർക്കുമൊപ്പമാണ് എൻ്റെ ചിന്തകൾ. പരിക്കേറ്റവർക്കായി പ്രാർത്ഥിക്കുന്നു.
ദുരിതബാധിതരെ സഹായിക്കുന്നതിനുള്ള രക്ഷാപ്രവർത്തനം ഇപ്പോൾ നടന്നുകൊണ്ടിരിക്കുകയാണ്. കേരള മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി ശ്രീ…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 30, 2024
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also voiced deep concern over the landslides, and said the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is conducting search and rescue operations on a war footing.
Shah also said that a second team of the NDRF is on its way to further strengthen the operation.
“Deeply concerned by the incidents of landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. The NDRF is conducting search and rescue operations on a war footing.
“The second team is on its way to further strengthen the response operation. My condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he wrote on X.
Deeply concerned by the incidents of landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. The NDRF is conducting search and rescue operations on a war footing. The second team is on its way to further strengthen the response operation. My condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 30, 2024
President Droupadi Murmu too expressed her condolences.
“Pained by the loss of lives in massive landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and for the success of rescue operations,” she wrote on X.
Pained by the loss of lives in massive landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and for the success of rescue operations.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 30, 2024
BJP MP and former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai also expressed condolences.
Heartbreaking to hear about the tragic loss of over 30 lives due to landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. My deepest condolences to the grieving families.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi ji has assured all possible assistance from the Central…
— Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) July 30, 2024
Union Health Minister JP Nadda expressing condolences requested the BJP Karyakarthas to reach the site and help in rescue operations.
He wrote on X: “Kerala BJP President and Wayanad BJP candidate Surendran is reaching the incident site and requested all BJP state unit karyakartas of to assist in rescue efforts as per the guidelines and provide all necessary support to those in distress.”
Deeply saddened by the devastating landslide in Wayanad, Kerala. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. I am praying for the speed recovery of the injured. May God grant strength to the bereaved families to endure this hour of grief.
Kerala…
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) July 30, 2024
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh too expressed his condolences.
I am deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to a landslide in Wayanad, Kerala. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. Praying for everyone’s safety and well-being.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 30, 2024
On Tuesday, he spoke to Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi to take stock of rescue and relief works being undertaken by Army units.
The defence minister spoke to the Army chief on the overall situation, officials said. The Army received a requisition for providing aid to civil authority this morning, an Army official said.
In response the Army has mobilised its units. The total strength of the Army deployed so far for the rescue operation is approximately 225, including medical personnel, the official said.
The neighbouring state Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin extended help in terms of logistics and manpower.
“The government of Tamil Nadu is willing to extend any logistical or manpower support that may be needed in this hour of crisis to our brother state Kerala.”
Deeply pained to learn about the massive landslides in #Wayanad and the consequent loss of priceless lives.
I am given to understand that many people are still trapped in the area. I am sure the rescue operations that are in full swing will save them all.
The government of…
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) July 30, 2024
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy took to X, to express condolences, and also caution people and the governments to be vigilant.
I am deeply shocked by the devastating landslide near Wayanad in Kerala, which has claimed many lives. Many others are still trapped under the mud, and rescue operations are ongoing.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi, responded promptly by speaking with the Chief…— ಹೆಚ್.ಡಿ.ಕುಮಾರಸ್ವಾಮಿ | H.D.Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) July 30, 2024
Expressing anguish over the landslides, Wayanad’s former MP Rahul Gandhi said he spoke to Chief Minister Vijayan and the district collector regarding the ongoing rescue operations.
“I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad,” he said on X, and expressed hope that those trapped would soon be rescued.
He also urged UDF workers to aid the administration in rescue and relief operations.
I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon.
I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 30, 2024
In a post on X, Kharge said he is extremely pained by the landslides in Wayanad, where several people are reportedly trapped.
“My deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved. I urge the State and Central Governments to expedite relief and rescue operations and provide urgent medical help to the victims, in coordination with all the agencies,” the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said.
Congress leaders and workers should put in all their efforts to provide every possible assistance to the people, Kharge said.
He urged the party leaders and workers to coordinate with doctors, paramedics and follow up with the agencies to support the victims of the tragedy.
Extremely pained by the landslides in Wayanad, where several people are reportedly trapped.
My deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved. I urge the State and Central Governments to expedite relief and rescue operations and provide urgent medical help to the victims,…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 30, 2024
(With PTI inputs)
