Wayanad: Massive landslides struck various hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district early on July 30, leaving hundreds feared trapped and, according to reports, at least five people reportedly dead.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has said that fire forces and NDRF have been deployed to the affected area, and an additional NDRF team is reaching Wayanad.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan that all government agencies have joined the search and rescue operations.
A one-year-old child of a Nepali family living in Thondernad village died in a landslide, according to the Wayanad district authorities. The operations will be coordinated, and state ministers will reach the hilly district to lead the rescue activities, Chief Minister Vijayan said in a statement issued by his office.
He added that in the wake of the landslides and other rain-related disasters in Wayanad district, the Health Department — National Health Mission — has opened a control room. Those in need of emergency assistance can contact authorities through these two numbers — 9656938689 and 8086010833 — the statement said.
According to reports, the first landslide struck the area nearly 2am. Later, another landslide around 4.10am.
Locals from the affected areas report that many people are feared to be trapped. Rescue operations are underway but are being hindered by ongoing heavy rainfall.
