Wayanad landslide disaster: Death toll reaches 297, 206 still missing

Wayanad landslide disaster is Kerala’s most severe natural disaster to date

August 2, 2024

Wayanad landslide: Churalpara, Velarimala, Mundakayil, and Punchirimadom worst-affected areas

Officials have confirmed that the death toll from the devastating landslide in Wayanad on Friday has risen to 297, with 206 individuals still missing. The rescue efforts continued relentlessly on the fourth day since the calamity struck.

The Wayanad landslide disaster is Kerala’s most severe natural disaster to date.

Over a thousand personnel from various rescue teams, supported by local volunteers, have been mobilized into nine groups. They are tirelessly working to assist affected individuals and locate those who remain missing.

Currently, there are now 91 relief camps where 9,328 people have been evacuated safely.

With a 190-foot Bailey Bridge now erected, the connectivity between Churalmalai and Mundakayil has been restored. Sniffer dogs have also been pressed into service. The rescue team is also equipped with heavy earth-moving equipment.

The areas worst hit by the landslides include Churalpara, Velarimala, Mundakayil, and Punchirimadom, where the impact has been most severe.

An officer heading the operations said there were some houses buried in one of the affected places where they were headed.

“Around 10 houses were there at the place we are reaching soon and according to what we are being told there might be some people, maybe alive,” said the official.

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