Kerala Landslides: 167 Dead in Wayanad, Rescue Operations Continue
A devastating landslide struck Wayanad, Kerala, early Tuesday morning, resulting in 167 confirmed deaths. The landslides occurred in Mundakkai and Chooralmala, Wayanad.
Rescue Operations
Rescue teams have saved 1,592 people. A total of 219 individuals were taken to hospitals, with 78 still receiving treatment. Additionally, 142 people have been moved to relief camps. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that rescue operations are continuing at full scale.
Victim Identification
Officials have identified 96 victims, including 77 men, 67 women, and 22 children. Post-mortem examinations have been conducted on 166 bodies and 49 body parts. So far, 75 bodies have been handed over to relatives.
Weather Warnings and Alerts
Chief Minister Vijayan responded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claims that the state ignored weather warnings. Vijayan clarified that an orange alert was in place and a red alert was issued only after the landslide. He also mentioned that the Central Water Commission did not issue any flood warnings for the Punnappra River or Chaliyar River before the disaster.
Statements from Officials
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated in Rajya Sabha that early warnings were given and NDRF teams were sent to Kerala. He emphasized the need to support the government and people of Kerala during this time, regardless of party politics.
Doubts Revealed
Kerala -: Kerala is a state in the southern part of India. It is known for its beautiful backwaters, beaches, and hills.
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.
Rescue Operations -: Rescue operations are efforts made by emergency services to save people who are in danger, such as those trapped by a landslide.
Kerala Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in a state in India. Pinarayi Vijayan is the current Chief Minister of Kerala.
Union Home Minister -: The Union Home Minister is a high-ranking official in the Indian government responsible for internal security. Amit Shah is the current Union Home Minister.
Weather Warnings -: Weather warnings are alerts given by meteorological departments to inform people about severe weather conditions like heavy rain, storms, or floods.
Orange Alert -: An orange alert is a warning level indicating that people should be prepared for severe weather conditions.
Red Alert -: A red alert is a higher warning level indicating that severe weather conditions are imminent and people should take immediate action to stay safe.
Central Water Commission -: The Central Water Commission is an organization in India that monitors and manages water resources, including issuing flood warnings.