WAYANAD (Kerala), July 30, 2024 (TBINN)
In one of the worst natural disasters in Kerala, at least 126 persons were killed and 128 injured in massive land-slides triggered by torrential rains in Wayanad today.
With hundreds trapped under the debris, sparking fears of mounting fatalities, rescue agencies were racing against time to pull out any survivors.
Government sources said 126 people have been killed, so far, in the tragedy.
Heart-wrenching scenes and phone conversations of several people crying and pleading to be rescued, as they were either trapped in their houses or had no way to move out of places where they were stranded, were witnessed after the land-slides that left a trail of death and destruction in the picturesque hamlets of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala and Noolpuzha.
Earlier, speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram about the massive tragedy, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said: “Due to the intense rainfall, land-slides occurred and an entire region has been destroyed. Ninety-three bodies have been recovered so far.” He further said that 128 people are undergoing treatment at various hospitals.
“Children who went to sleep last night, including infants, are among those who lost their lives in this disaster and are now buried under the Earth. The floodwaters swept away many people. Sixteen bodies were recovered from Chaliyar River in Pothukallu in Malappuram District (neighbouring Wayanad) and body parts were also found,” Vijayan said.
“This is one of the most severe natural disasters our state has ever seen,” Chief Minister said.
Thirty-four bodies have been identified, and 18 of them, have been handed over to the relatives of deceased persons. More than 3,000 people have been shifted to 45 relief camps set up in the district, Vijayan added.
According to the Chief Minister, first land-slide occurred at 2 A.M., followed by another at 4.10 am, adding that Meppadi, Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas have been cut off and the Chooralmala-Mundakkai road has been destroyed.
Vellarimala G.H.S.S. School has been completely buried under the Earth and Iruvazhinjipuzha River has split into two, Vijayan said, giving details of the destruction caused by the landslides and rain.
“There are still people trapped under Earth or swept away by the floodwaters. Efforts to find them will continue. All possible resources and methods will be used to continue the rescue operations,” Vijayan promised.
Rescue teams comprising Army, Navy and N.D.R.F. are collectively looking for survivors amid the rough weather and multiple agencies are working in tandem to provide critical assistance to those affected.
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