Landslides in Wayanad, Kerala: 63 Dead, Rescue Operations Underway
A devastating landslide hit the Meppadi area of Wayanad, Kerala, causing 63 deaths and injuring 116 people. The Kerala Revenue Minister’s office confirmed the numbers on Tuesday.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Three camps have been set up in Wayanad to assist those affected. Medical treatment is being provided at various hospitals, including Kalpetta Government Hospital, WIMS Wayanad, Meppadi Community Health Centre (CHC), and Vythiri Taluk Hospital.
| Hospital | Deaths | Injured |
|---|---|---|
| WIMS Wayanad | 8 | 77 |
| Meppadi CHC | 1 | 27 |
| Vythiri Taluk Hospital | 1 | 0 |
| Bathery Taluk Hospital | 35 | 27 |
Officials on the Ground
Kerala Forest Minister Saseendran and state minister Ramachandran Kadannappalli are on-site to assess the damage and coordinate response measures. A delegation of state ministers is also traveling from Thiruvananthapuram to assist.
National and Military Assistance
Union Minister of State George Kurian is leading the relief operations, coordinating with various agencies. An Indian Navy team from Ezhimala Naval Base in Kannur and around 200 Indian Army personnel from DSC Centre Kannur and 122 TA Battalion from Kozhikode have been deployed. Two helicopters from Air Force station Sulur are also assisting in the rescue operations.
Challenges
Rescue efforts have been hampered by the collapse of a main bridge in Chooralmala. The situation is being closely monitored by Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other officials.
Doubts Revealed
Landslide -: A landslide is when a lot of rocks, earth, or debris suddenly falls down a slope, like a hill or mountain. It can happen because of heavy rain or earthquakes.
Wayanad -: Wayanad is a district in the state of Kerala, which is in the southern part of India. It is known for its beautiful hills and forests.
Kerala -: Kerala is a state in the southern part of India. It is famous for its backwaters, beaches, and rich culture.
Rescue Operations -: Rescue operations are efforts made by people like firefighters, police, and soldiers to save others who are in danger. In this case, they are helping people trapped by the landslide.
Indian Navy -: The Indian Navy is a part of India’s military that operates in the sea. They help protect the country and also assist in rescue missions during disasters.
Army -: The Army is a part of the military that operates on land. They help protect the country and also assist in rescue missions during disasters.
Air Force -: The Air Force is a part of the military that operates in the sky using airplanes and helicopters. They help protect the country and also assist in rescue missions during disasters.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in a state in India. They make important decisions and help manage the state.
