A Command and Control Centre has been set up in Kozhikode by the Indian Army for coordinating Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief efforts.
Thiruvananthapuram: The death toll in Kerala's landslide-hit Wayanad district rose to 277 with more than 200 people missing even as rescue and relief operations continued on a war footing in one of the worst disasters to hit the southern Indian state this week.
Several officials from various defense, police, and fire service personnel, besides local volunteers, are currently involved in rescue and relief operations in Churalpara, Velarimala, Mundakayil, Pothukalu -- the four worst-affected landslide areas of Wayanad.
"The rescue teams have so far rescued 1,592 people and now there are 8,017 people in 82 relief camps. 201 people were treated in hospitals and now there are 90 under treatment. The rescue efforts are continuing and tribal families are being moved... for those not willing to move, food will be given," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on July 31.
(Photo courtesy: Southern Command/Indian Army)
A Command and Control Centre has been set up in Kozhikode by the Army for coordinating Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts. An Indian Air Force plane carrying another set of a 110-feet Bailey bridge and three search and rescue dog teams have landed in Kannur to aid in the search operations.
Thousands of people were caught unawares when three landslides struck Wayanad early on July 30 after heavy rain, leaving some areas with practically no signs of any houses. The APJ Community Hall at Meppadi was one place where only the cries and wails of young and old were heard as it was here that numerous bodies were kept for people to come and identify, the IANS news agency reported.
The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted more rain for Wayanad and several other districts over the next couple of days. A red alert for heavy rain has been issued for Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod districts.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah
"...on July 23, the Centre gave an early warning to the Kerala government, seven days before the incident... 9 NDRF teams were sent to Kerala... I would like to ask what did the Kerala government do. It was a vulnerable situation, but why the people were not shifted to safer places?"
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
"I do not wish to engage in a blame game... but the fact of the matter is that there were predictions that came out and they never mentioned a red alert in the affected area. The red alert came on July 30 at 6 am, when the tragedy occurred several hours before".
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi
"It is the second time this tragedy has taken place... It is clear that this area has an ecological issue, so this should be looked into and whatever hi-tech solution can be brought forward, will be good... I request the government to help the people of Wayanad".
(Photos courtesy: X handles)
