Wayanad landslide: What exactly happened in Kerala's hilly district, which left over 60 dead, hundreds trapped?

More than 60 people were reportedly dead in landslides that hit Kerala's hilly Wayanad district on Tuesday, authorities said. The Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages were among the areas affected and cut off by the landslides, reported PTI.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a Facebook post that two Air Force helicopters will depart for Wayanad from Sulur shortly to take part in the search and rescue operations. 

A control room has been established to provide immediate relief and rescue assistance following the tragic landslide at Chooralmala, Wayanad. pic.twitter.com/3QvMFZMHav

— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) July 30, 2024

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the landslides in parts of Wayanad. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.

PM Modi spoke with Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all help from the Centre. He also spoke to Union Minister Suresh Gopi about the prevailing situation. The PM also spoke to BJP President JP Nadda and asked him to ensure BJP karyakartas do whatever they can to assist in the relief efforts, reported ANI.

Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi said, " I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts. I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad.  I urge all UDF workers to assist the administration in the rescue and relief operations."

I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon.

I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad…

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 30, 2024

According to district authorities, several families have been moved to the various camps or homes of their relatives in the wake of the landslides.

With inputs from PTI