Kerala Landslide: 84 Lives Lost, Rescue Efforts Underway in Wayanad
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), July 30: Kerala State Disaster Management Authority Secretary Sekar Kuriakose announced on Tuesday that rescue operations in the landslide-hit Meppadi area of Wayanad are well-coordinated with sufficient forces. The death toll has increased to 84, with 116 injuries reported.
Kuriakose stated, “The rescue is coordinated and we have sufficient forces. NDRF was prepositioned… 10 teams of fire and rescue, 200 civil defence volunteers…3 teams of NDRF will operate and we have requested the 4th team, two teams of Defence security cops, and one Navy river crossing team. We have also requested an engineering task force from the army. We have aircraft ready to move these troops.”
The Kerala government declared official mourning on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have been mobilized to assist in the rescue efforts, which are challenged by a collapsed bridge in Chooralmala. Kerala Forest Minister Saseendran and other state ministers are on-site to coordinate the response.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in eight districts, including Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod. An orange alert is in place for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts.
Doubts Revealed
Kerala -: Kerala is a state in the southern part of India. It is known for its beautiful backwaters, beaches, and rich culture.
Landslide -: A landslide is when a large amount of earth, rocks, and debris suddenly slides down a slope, often caused by heavy rain or earthquakes.
Wayanad -: Wayanad is a district in Kerala, known for its hills, forests, and wildlife. It is a popular tourist destination.
Kerala State Disaster Management Authority -: This is a government organization in Kerala that helps manage and respond to disasters like floods, landslides, and earthquakes.
Sekar Kuriakose -: Sekar Kuriakose is a person who works as the Secretary for the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. He helps coordinate rescue and relief efforts during disasters.
National Disaster Rescue Force -: The National Disaster Rescue Force (NDRF) is a special team in India that helps rescue people and provide aid during natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and landslides.
Red alert -: A red alert is a warning issued by the government to inform people about very dangerous weather conditions, like heavy rain, that could cause disasters.
Army, Navy, and Air Force -: These are the three main branches of India’s military. The Army fights on land, the Navy protects the seas, and the Air Force handles operations in the sky.
Official mourning -: Official mourning is a period when the government and people show respect for those who have died, often by lowering flags and canceling celebrations.
