Wayanad: The death toll in the Wayanad landslides crossed 300 even as rescue teams continued to work under harsh conditions to locate survivors trapped in collapsed buildings after Tuesday’s calamity.
As rescue operations enter the fourth day, the authorities will widen the scope to include a drone-based radar to find the survivors. Notably, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) of Kerala has issued an “orange alert” for heavy rainfall in the district and parts of the state until Saturday.
On the fourth day of operations, 40 rescue teams commenced search efforts in the district, braving heavy rains and challenging terrain. The completion of a 190-foot Bailey bridge has facilitated the movement of heavy machinery and ambulances to the hardest-hit areas, including Mundakkai and Chooralmala. The teams will cover six zones: Attamala and Aaranmala, Mundakkai, Punchirimattam, Vellarimala village, GVHSS Vellarimala, and the riverbank.
According to reports, rescue efforts in the landslide-hit areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala have been hampered due to the extreme weather, damaged roads and bridges, a shortage of heavy equipment, and treacherous terrain. However, the Indian Army has managed to complete the construction of C1 24 Bailey Bridge over the Iruvanipzha River—which connects Chooralmala with Mundakkai. This bridge has been opened for traffic, easing movement between the affected districts.
While over 200 people were injured, the Army and other officials rescued around 1,000 and the death toll is expected to rise further as the rescue operations continue. Meanwhile, in response to the IMD alert, all educational institutions in at least seven districts of the state have been declared shut on Friday. The affected districts include Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasragod.
