Wayanad Landslide: 49 Dead, Kerala Government and Central Agencies Launch Massive Rescue Operation

At least 49 people have died and more than hundreds are feared to be trapped under mud and debris as multiple landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rain hit Kerala’s hill district of Wayanad on Tuesday. The NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and Air Force have joined the rescue operations in the hilly areas of Meppadi. The Army has mobilised four columns, including two columns ex 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) and two ex-DSC Centre, Kannur for rescue operations.


According to the authorities, the affected areas are Mundakkai, Chooralamala, Attamala and Noolpuzha. Many roads have collapsed and a bridge that linked the affected area to the nearest town was also destroyed and several areas have become unreachable. "We have to re-establish the connectivity. Helicopters will also be brought in, but the weather is bad.", said Health Minister Veena George.


Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that rescue operations in full scale have begun in Wayanad and two helicopters of the Indian Air Force have also been mobilized. State forest minister AK Saseendran said that the situation is serious, and the government has pressed all agencies to assist in rescue operations. A rescue official said rescue efforts remain challenging as there was no internet connectivity in the area.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all help to the Kerala government. He has also asked BJP Chief JP Nadda and Union Minister Suresh Gopi to ensure that party workers help and assist in the rescue work. "Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there," said the PM in a post on X. "The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased in the landslides in parts of Wayanad. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000", said the PM’s office in a post on X.

Former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. “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 District Collector, who assured me that rescue operations are underway. 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,” said Gandhi.

A special control room has been set up by the district administration at the police headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. The Chief Minister has announced that the state Health Department has opened a control room. Those in need of emergency assistance can contact authorities on helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833.​