Wayanad Landslides Day 5: The relentless search and rescue operations continue on the fifth day following the devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. The official death toll has now reached 344 and numerous people are still unaccounted for.
The catastrophic event, triggered by incessant monsoon rains, has left a trail of destruction across the region, with entire villages buried under mud and debris.
As per a Defence statement, the relief teams began the search operations along with the dog squad at 7 am today. The relief columns of the Indian Army are also present at the spot and all activities are coordinated by North Kerala IGP, they said.
Lieutenant Colonel Vikas Rana said that the search operations in the six earmarked zones will continue today.
Wayanad Landslides Updates| IN POINTS
- The India Meteorological Department of Kerala issued an orange alert in the Wayanad district, which has already been affected by landslides claiming over 344 lives.
- IMD Kerala director, Neetha K Gopal said that there will be rain, but in between there can be some clear spells, which will also give relief to the rescue operators.
- Orange alert has been issued in 4 northern districts of Kerala, including Wayanad.
- Yellow alert has been issued in the south, up to Pathanamthitta
- In the wake of the landslides, the Indian Army has also completed the construction of the Cl 24 Bailey Bridge in record time. The bridge connecting Chooralmala with Mundakkai over the Iruvanipzha River is open to traffic and handed over to the Civil Administration.
- Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the landslide site at Chooralmala, Wayanad, on Thursday.Addressing the media, Rahul Gandhi said that it was a terrible tragedy for Wayanad and that there is a lot that needs to be done here."It is a terrible tragedy for Wayanad, for Kerala and the nation. We have come here to see the situation. It is painful to see how many people have lost family members and their houses. We will try to help and make sure that the survivors get what is their due. A lot of them want to be relocated. There is a lot that needs to be done here. I would like to thank all those including doctors, nurses, administration, and volunteers," he said.
- Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that six lives were saved from a remote tribal settlement after a tireless 8-hour operation by our courageous forest officials in landslide-hit Wayanad. The Chief Minister said that the heroism of the rescue teams reminds us that Kerala's resilience shines brightest in the darkest times.
- With inputs from agencies
