The Wayanad district of Kerala was devastated by three landslides on Tuesday, July 30, occurring within a span of four hours. The affected areas include Meppadi, Chooralmala, Vythiri, and Mundakkai. The landslides, which took place between 2 am and 6 am, have left the region reeling with loss and destruction.
The situation in Mundakkai is particularly dire, as the only bridge connecting the area was swept away, isolating it from the rest of the district. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is attempting to reach the affected region by crossing the river using ropes. Rescue operations have been hampered by adverse weather conditions, including rain, fog, and strong currents.
Health Minister Veena George confirmed that 24 bodies have been recovered, with six kept at a private hospital and 18 at a government health center in Meppadi. So far, 70 people have been reported injured.
Wayanad, a hilly region known for its tea estates, has seen significant destruction. Many estate workers, who live in houses called 'layams' on the hills, were either trapped or killed as these structures were destroyed by the landslides. The Government Vocational Higher Secondary School in Vellarmala was also partially submerged and damaged.
Rescue efforts are intensifying, with additional NDRF teams and army troops from Kannur district on their way. Two Indian Air Force helicopters from the Sular Air Base in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, have been deployed to assist in the operations. Local residents from neighboring villages have joined the rescue efforts, showing solidarity in the face of disaster.
The CEO of Harrisons Malayalam tea estate, Cheriyan George, reported that a field officer, an assistant factory officer, their families, and eight estate workers are missing. The estate had evacuated almost 200 people to a building on Monday. Additionally, around 100 people, including both foreign and Indian tourists, are trapped in the Tree Valley Resort in Mundakkai.
The injured have been taken to WIMS Hospital in Meppadi, where over 64 individuals are receiving treatment. The full scale of the disaster is still being assessed as rescue and recovery efforts continue amidst challenging conditions.