Wayanad Landslide Tragedy: 143 Lives Lost, Rescue Efforts Continue
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), July 31: The death toll in the Wayanad landslide has risen to 143, with many injured and trapped, according to the State Health Department. Relief and rescue operations are ongoing in Wayanad’s Chooralmala after the landslide caused significant damage to houses, roads, and trees, making rescue efforts challenging.
On Tuesday, the national flag was at half-mast at the Kerala Legislative Assembly as the state observed a two-day mourning period. Union Minister George Kurian visited Wayanad to assess the relief operations and interacted with officials from the NDRF, CRPF, and Army. He also visited a relief camp in Kalpetta.
NDRF Commander Akhilesh Kumar reported rescuing 70 people from Mundakkai village but expressed concerns about more victims trapped in collapsed buildings. Rescue operations were halted due to bad weather and rain, and people have been given shelter in a resort and a mosque.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George’s vehicle met with a minor accident while she was traveling to Wayanad, but no major injuries were reported. She visited the Health Department Directorate to assess the situation and instructed for precise tracking of hospital beds and the setup of temporary hospitals if needed.
Two massive landslides occurred on July 30, washing away the Mundakkai and Chooramala areas of Vellarimala village. The landslides destroyed houses, uprooted trees, and swelled water bodies, hampering rescue work. The India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall for the coming days, which could further complicate rescue efforts.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a high-level meeting to expedite rescue operations, discussing collaboration with various central agencies and forces.
Doubts Revealed
Wayanad -: Wayanad is a district in the state of Kerala, India. It is known for its beautiful hills and forests.
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.
Kerala -: Kerala is a state in the southern part of India, known for its backwaters, beaches, and rich culture.
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a member of the central government in India, responsible for specific departments or ministries.
George Kurian -: George Kurian is a Union Minister in the Indian government, involved in the relief efforts for the landslide.
Kerala Health Minister -: The Kerala Health Minister is responsible for the health and well-being of people in Kerala. Veena George is the current Health Minister.
India Meteorological Department -: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is a government agency that predicts weather and monitors climate conditions in India.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state. Pinarayi Vijayan is the Chief Minister of Kerala.
central agencies -: Central agencies are organizations run by the central government of India, which help in various tasks like rescue operations and disaster management.
