Massive Landslides in Wayanad, Kerala: 108 Dead, 128 Injured
On Tuesday, Wayanad in Kerala experienced devastating landslides that resulted in the loss of 108 lives and left 128 people injured. The injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals in Wayanad.
Rescue Operations
Rescue operations are ongoing, with efforts to locate missing persons. The first landslide occurred at 2 AM, followed by another at 4:10 AM, causing significant damage to homes and livelihoods. Areas like Meppadi, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala have been isolated, and roads have been washed away. The Vellarmala GVH School was completely buried.
Leaders’ Responses
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, and Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose have expressed their condolences and offered assistance. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a high-level meeting to coordinate rescue operations and discussed further steps.
Relief Efforts
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that 3,069 people are in 45 relief camps in Wayanad, with five ministers coordinating the relief and rescue operations. He mentioned that 321 members of the Fire Force, an NDRF team of 60 members, and an 89-member team from Bengaluru are involved in the rescue efforts. The Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force have also been mobilized.
Weather Alerts
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for eight districts in Kerala, including Wayanad, for heavy rainfall. An orange alert has been issued for four other districts.
Doubts Revealed
Landslide -: A landslide is when a large amount of earth, rocks, and debris suddenly slide down a slope, often caused by heavy rain or earthquakes.
Wayanad -: Wayanad is a district in the state of Kerala, India. It is known for its beautiful hills and forests.
Kerala -: Kerala is a state in the southern part of India, known for its backwaters, beaches, and rich culture.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the current Prime Minister of India, the leader of the country.
Rahul Gandhi -: Rahul Gandhi is a prominent Indian politician and a member of the Indian National Congress party.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan -: Pinarayi Vijayan is the Chief Minister of Kerala, the head of the state government.
India Meteorological Department -: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is a government agency that provides weather forecasts and warnings.
Rescue operations -: Rescue operations are efforts made by emergency services to save people who are in danger, like those trapped in a landslide.
Condolences -: Condolences are expressions of sympathy and sorrow for someone who has experienced a loss, like the death of a loved one.
Relief efforts -: Relief efforts are actions taken to help people who are in trouble, such as providing food, shelter, and medical care after a disaster.