Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Rescue operations in Wayanad, Kerala, are being conducted at full scale following devastating landslides, with 158 bodies recovered so far. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced on Wednesday that 191 people are still missing, and efforts are ongoing to find them.
Key Points:
- Rescue Efforts Intensify: The Indian Army, along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local civil administration, are leading the rescue operations. A temporary bridge on the Meppadi-Chooralmala Road will be constructed using earth-moving equipment to facilitate the efforts.
- Early Warnings Issued: Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the Centre had warned the Kerala government about the potential for heavy rainfall and landslides starting from July 23. Despite these warnings, Chief Minister Vijayan emphasized that no red alerts were issued for Wayanad prior to the landslides.
- Mass Evacuations: The Indian Army has successfully evacuated over 55,000 people from affected areas. Around 600 personnel from various agencies, including the state police, forest officials, and volunteers, are actively participating in rescue operations.
- Additional Rain Forecasted: The weather department has predicted more rain for Wayanad and several other districts, including Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod. Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam are under an orange alert.
- Visits Cancelled: Due to adverse weather conditions, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi canceled their planned visit to Wayanad. Authorities advised against travel as landing in the area was deemed impossible.
- Demand for National Disaster Declaration: Opposition parties, including Congress and the Left, have demanded that the natural calamity in Wayanad be declared a national disaster.
- Financial Assistance Announced: The Prime Minister’s Office has announced compensation of ?2 lakh for the families of those who died and ?50,000 for those injured in the landslides.
- Naval and Air Force Support: Naval teams and Air Force helicopters have been deployed to support the NDRF and the Army in the ongoing rescue operations.
- Relief Camps Established: The Kerala government has set up 45 relief camps in Wayanad, accommodating over 4,000 people. The state health department has also established a control room for emergency assistance.
- Data Collection for Assistance: The Wayanad district administration is gathering data on those affected by reviewing ration cards, voter IDs, and other government documents to ensure appropriate aid distribution.
