Wayanad (Kerala), August 2 – Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed today that the death toll from the catastrophic landslides in Wayanad on July 30 has reached 308. The ongoing rescue and relief efforts are concentrated in the severely affected areas of Chooralmala and Mundakkai in the Meppadi region.
As of now, 195 bodies and 113 body parts have been recovered. The Indian Army has played a crucial role in the rescue operations, including the construction of a 190-foot Bailey Bridge over the Iruvanjippuzha River, which reconnects the isolated regions of Chooralmala and Mundakkai.
A Defence statement revealed that high earth movement equipment has been moved to facilitate operations, and vehicle movement is being managed by the civil administration. The Army has also established a coordination center at the Wayanad District Collector’s office, where search operations resumed early this morning. Relief teams, including dog squads, are working in six designated zones to maximize the efficiency of their search efforts:
- Zone 1: Punchirimattom region
- Zone 2: Mundekkai region
- Zone 3: School area
- Zone 4: Chooralmala town area
- Zone 5: Village area
- Zone 6: Downstream
The coordinated efforts involve the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local civil administration. These teams are focused on rescuing stranded individuals, providing basic necessities, and offering medical assistance to those in need.
Former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi visited the affected sites on Thursday, meeting with residents in shelter camps and expressing their support. They remain in Wayanad to oversee relief efforts and provide assistance.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan conducted a high-level meeting in Wayanad to review the situation. He emphasized that rescue operations are the top priority, with plans for rehabilitation to follow as soon as possible. To support these efforts, the Chief Minister has appealed for contributions to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF). Despite some criticism, the campaign has seen a positive response, with donations pouring in from residents and businesses. The initiative aims to bolster public trust and ensure that the relief fund is used effectively to aid the affected areas.
