Landslides in Wayanad confirm 190 deaths so far, Army constructs Bailey Bridge for speedy rescue operations

In Wayanad, Kerala, the horrors of devastation are coming to the fore for the last two days. The death toll in landslides is constantly increasing. Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan said at least 190 people were killed and more than 200 injured after a massive landslide hit the hilly areas near Mappadi. The army has rescued around 1,000 people and 220 people are still missing.

Red alert for rain declared

The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted more rain in Wayanad and several other districts in the next few days. Red alert for heavy rain has been issued in Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. America has mourned the death due to the landslide.

Death toll high in unverified news

Three landslides occurred in Wayanad on July 30 after heavy rains. Mundakkai, Churalmala, Attmala and Nulpuzha villages of the district have been worst affected due to landslides. In unconfirmed news, the death toll is coming to 289.

1,500 army personnel deployed

According to PTI, the Army has set up a command and control center in Kozhikode to coordinate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts. Health Minister Veena George said at least 1,500 army personnel have been deployed for rescue operations. We have deployed forensic surgeons.

Indian Army built Belly Bridge

Indian Army has successfully completed the construction of Bailey Bridge in Wayanad. To ensure the strength and stability of the bridge, the army first moved its vehicles across the river. The newly constructed bridge will now facilitate transportation of heavy vehicles including earth movers to the landslide site.

Difficulty in relief-rescue work

Rescue teams are working tirelessly in challenging conditions to find survivors of the tragedy. Rescue efforts are being greatly hampered, a problem compounded by destroyed roads and bridges. Lack of heavy machinery has slowed the removal of thick soil and large uprooted trees, causing extensive damage to buildings.

Visits to hospitals and camps

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said thousands of people are in relief camps and are traumatized. He said I visited hospitals and camps. Our priority is to provide psychological support and focus on controlling communicable diseases.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the ongoing rescue efforts and said that coordinated operations involving various forces, authorities and local volunteers are focused on rescuing the victims and recovering the bodies of the missing. He said that the survivors are being housed in relief camps and the government is planning to give priority to the rehabilitation of disaster-affected persons.

Donation to relief fund for victims

Many top celebrities and politicians contributed to the relief fund set up for the Wayanad landslide victims. Popular Malayalam actor Fahadh Faisil, his actor-wife Nazriya Nazim and their production company have donated Rs 25 lakh to the Kerala Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Malayalam superstar Mammootty presented a check of Rs 20 lakh to Kerala Minister P Rajeev as the first installment.

Rahul-Priyanka met

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the landslide-hit site on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi called it a terrible tragedy for Wayanad, Kerala and the country. Rahul Gandhi said that today I am feeling how I felt when my father passed away. Here people have lost not only the father but the entire family. We all owe these people respect and affection. The attention of the entire country is towards Wayanad.