The state of Kerala is in mourning following devastating landslides in Wayanad district that have claimed at least 84 lives and injured 116. The Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, announced two days of statewide mourning, effective from Tuesday, July 30, to Wednesday, July 31. The landslides were triggered by heavy rainfall early on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction and isolating several villages.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘Red Alert’ for extremely heavy rainfall in Kerala until July 31, specifically for the districts of Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod. An orange alert is also in effect for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts.
The landslides have caused significant damage, destroying homes, swelling water bodies, and uprooting trees. Affected areas include Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages, which are now cut off from the rest of the state due to the landslides.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by the severity of the landslides and the strong water currents. The Kerala Chief Secretary, Dr. V Venu, has described the situation in Wayanad district as ‘grave’ and reported that over 70 bodies have reached hospitals.
Due to the Red Alert and adverse weather conditions, rescue helicopters have been unable to take off, delaying air rescues and the air-dropping of supplies. The NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) has deployed personnel to the affected areas, and the Army is providing backup. The Chief Minister’s Office has confirmed that a Navy River Crossing team is being dispatched at the request of Pinarayi Vijayan. The Army and Air Force are also mobilized for rescue operations in Chooralmala, where a collapsed bridge is hindering rescue efforts.
In a gesture of support, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin directed the release of ₹ 5 crore for relief efforts in Kerala and instructed officials to deploy a rescue team to assist with the ongoing operations.
