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Chiranjeevi And Ram Charan Donate Rs 1 Crore To Kerala Relief Fund Following Wayanad Landslide

August 4, 2024, 7:47 pm

Veteran actor Chiranjeevi and his son, actor Ram Charan, have donated Rs 1 crore to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to aid victims of the recent landslide in Wayanad. Their substantial contribution comes after Allu Arjun donated Rs 25 lakh. Chiranjeevi expressed grief over the tragedy on his X account. “Deeply distressed by the devastation and loss of hundreds of precious lives in Kerala due to nature’s fury in the last few days. My heart goes out to the victims of the Wayanad tragedy. Charan and I together are contributing Rs 1 Crore to the Kerala CM Relief Fund as a token of our support to the victims. My prayers for the recovery of all those in pain (sic),” the post on X read.

Earlier in the day, Allu Arjun posted on his X account and wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the recent landslide in Wayanad. Kerala has always given me so much love, and I want to do my bit by donating Rs 25 lakh to the Kerala CM Relief Fund to support the rehabilitation work. Praying for your safety and strength. @CMOKerala”.

The landslides that struck Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Wayanad on July 30 have resulted in 308 deaths. On Sunday, Union Minister and Thrissur BJP MP Suresh Gopi visited Wayanad to evaluate the impact of the landslides. Search and rescue operations in the region have now reached their sixth day, with many individuals still feared trapped in the debris.

Wayanad District Collector Meghashree informed ANI that the rescue operation is actively ongoing, with more than 1,300 personnel deployed for today’s operations. “Rescue operation is going on in full swing. Today, 1,300+ forces are deployed, volunteers are also there, yesterday volunteers who went for the rescue operation got stranded there, today we are taking precautions so that it doesn’t happen,”.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister’s Office has announced that night patrols by police have been established in the Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas affected by the landslides. The statement from the CM’s office emphasised that action will be taken against anyone trespassing into the homes or areas of the victims at night. It also stated that access to these areas at night is restricted to authorised rescue operations only, and no one should enter without police permission.

On Saturday, the Indian Air Force transported one ZAWER and four REECO radars from Siachen and Delhi to expedite search operations in the landslide-affected regions of Wayanad. That same day, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Indian Army, and Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully rescued three individuals stranded at Soochipara Waterfalls in the landslide-impacted Wayanad district of Kerala. According to Kerala Health Minister Veena George, the death toll from the massive landslides on July 30 in Chooralmala and Mundakkai has reached 308 as of Friday, with 308 bodies having been recovered.

Wayanad Landslide: Allu Arjun Donates ₹25 Lakh To Kerala CM Relief Fund, Prays For Safety

August 4, 2024, 2:08 pm

Indian actor Allu Arjun has stepped up to support the relief efforts in Wayanad, Kerala, following the devastating landslides that struck the region. In a heartfelt gesture, the star announced a donation of ₹25 lakh to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to aid in the ongoing rehabilitation work.

Taking to Instagram and X on Sunday morning, Allu Arjun shared a message expressing his sorrow over the tragedy and his commitment to helping the affected community. His statement read, “I am deeply saddened by the recent landslide in Wayanad. Kerala has always given me so much love, and I want to do my bit by donating ₹25 lakh to the Kerala CM Relief Fund to support the rehabilitation work. Praying for your safety and strength.” His post’s caption echoed his concern: “Praying for the safety and strength of the people of Kerala.”

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A post shared by Allu Arjun (@alluarjunonline)

Allu Arjun’s donation adds to a growing list of contributions from celebrities in response to the disaster. In recent days, notable figures such as actors Suriya, Vikram, Mammootty, Dulquer Salmaan, Fahadh Faasil, Nazriya, Nayanthara, and filmmaker Vignesh Shivan have also made significant donations to the Kerala CM’s Distress Relief Fund.

Additionally, Mohanlal visited Wayanad in army uniform on Saturday and pledged ₹3 crore for the region’s rehabilitation efforts. Speaking to the media, Mohanlal said, “The magnitude of the landslide can only be comprehended by witnessing it first-hand. The army, the navy, the air force, the NDRF, the Fire and Rescue, the other organisations, locals etc. who all are part of the rescue operations have done a wonderful job.”

The landslides, which occurred around July 30, have resulted in the tragic loss of over 300 lives, with more than 200 individuals still missing. The heavy rains and subsequent landslides have caused extensive damage, prompting a large-scale relief operation across the affected areas.

Wayanad Landslide: How Wild Elephants Played An Unexpected Role In A Family’s Survival

August 3, 2024, 4:15 pm

Nearly 250 people are yet to be accounted for in rescue and search operations after the devastating landslide in Kerala’s Wayanad. The death toll had mounted to 341 by late on Saturday, said a report in Manoramaonline.

In an account, dearest to people witnessing the rescue operations, a survivor, Sujatha Aninanchira, narrated how she had a miraculous escape when her house was smashed under a boulder in the Chooralmala landslides.

She and her family climbed a nearby hill only to be faced by a herd of wild elephants. Known to have malicious behavior, elephants were not, this time, as tender. In the midst of it all, when she saw the tuskers in a report by Asianet News, Sujatha said that she pleaded before them for protection. At the end, the elephants are said to have protected the family until their rescue—a deed she cannot explain without divine intervention.

Sujatha, functional at the moment from Meppadi GHSS, said, “It was pitch dark and just half a metre away from us was a wild elephant. It too seemed frightened. I mumbled a request to the elephant, saying—I had just survived a disaster— and asked it to spare us to allow us to lie down for the night and let someone rescue us. “We were too close to the tusker’s legs, but it seemed to realize our problem. We stood there till 6 am and the elephants stood there seeing us till the people rescued us in the morning and I could see its eyes welling up as dawn broke.”

Describing the chaos, Sujatha said that the water was so high it looked like the sea, with trees floating. She had described the view of heavy floods destroying her neighbor’s two-story building and her own.

She said she heard her granddaughter cry amidst all the turmoil. She managed to pull the child from the debris, covered her with a cloth, and started swimming in the rising water. Her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, who were in the nearby house, she said were rescued by her son. They walked through a coffee plantation, where they met the wild elephants.

Her family members were rescued from there and were provided with dry clothes, food, and water and were taken to a safe location from there. Sujatha said that most of the members in the community lost their lives in the floodwaters and landslides.

Karnataka To Build 100 Houses For Wayanad Landslide Victims, Announces CM Siddaramaiah

August 3, 2024, 3:37 pm

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Saturday that his government will build 100 houses for those affected by the landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. In a post on X, Siddaramaiah expressed, “In light of the tragic landslide in Wayanad, Karnataka stands in solidarity with Kerala. I have assured CM Shri @pinarayivijayan of our support and announced that Karnataka will construct 100 houses for the victims. Together, we will rebuild and restore hope.”

Meanwhile, the search and rescue operations in Wayanad have entered their fifth consecutive day, with many people still feared trapped under the debris. The death toll from the landslides, which struck Chooralmala and Mundakkai on July 30, has risen to 308 as of Friday, according to Kerala Health Minister Veena George.

The latest update indicates that 215 bodies and 143 body parts have been recovered so far, including 98 males, 87 females, and 30 children. Post-mortem examinations have been completed on 212 bodies and 140 body parts, with 148 bodies identified by their relatives.

A total of 78 naval personnel have been deployed for rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. Officials reported that one team is stationed at the river base to ensure the continuous supply of materials, food, and provisions, while other teams focus on searching for survivors, clearing debris, and recovering bodies. A medical post has also been established at Chooralmala to provide care to the injured.

Additionally, a team of three officers and 30 sailors is assisting the Indian Army in assembling and constructing a Bailey Bridge over the river to reconnect Chooralmala and Mundakkai. This bridge is crucial for logistics support, facilitating the movement of heavy machinery and ambulances.

Kerala Launches Relief Fund For Wayanad Landslide Victims

August 3, 2024, 2:51 pm

In response to the devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district, which have claimed over 300 lives with many still missing, the Kerala Chief Minister’s office has set up the “Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund” to support those affected.

Relief Efforts and Donation Details

The Kerala government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has launched the fund to collect donations. Here’s how you can contribute:

– Account Number: 67319948232
– Name: Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund
– Bank: State Bank of India
– Branch: City Branch, Thiruvananthapuram
– IFSC Code: SBIN0070028
– SWIFT Code: SBININBBT08
– Account Type: Savings
– PAN: AAAGD0584M

To donate, follow the instructions shared on social media by the Chief Minister’s office. On July 31, Vijayan urged people to “STAND WITH WAYANAD” and emphasized that every contribution, no matter how small, helps in times of crisis.

Ongoing Rescue Operations

Search operations have been ongoing for five days. Teams are using advanced technology and dogs to find survivors or recover bodies from the landslide debris. The operation remains intense, with radars detecting even minor movements, offering hope.

Casualties and Current Situation

As of Friday, the death toll from the landslides on July 30 has risen to 308. This includes 215 bodies and 143 body parts recovered, with post-mortem exams completed on 212 bodies. Among the deceased are 98 males, 87 females, and 30 children.

Currently, 82 people are receiving treatment in hospitals across Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram. A total of 504 people were taken to hospitals from the disaster area, and 205 have been discharged.

The situation remains critical, and relief efforts continue as the community and government work together to manage this tragic disaster.

Rahul Gandhi Joins Wayanad Rescue Operation As Death Toll Hits 256

August 1, 2024, 10:09 am

Rescue efforts are ongoing in Wayanad, Kerala, where devastating landslides have caused widespread damage. The army, navy, and coast guard are actively searching in Attamala, Mundakkai, and Churalmala.

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra traveled from Delhi to Wayanad on Thursday morning. They are there to assess the situation and meet with families affected by the landslides. The death toll has risen to around 250, with hundreds still missing.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, who are both running in the upcoming by-elections, are expected to visit the affected areas. The landslides struck Mundakkai and Churalmala in the early hours of July 30, causing significant damage. According to Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George, the death toll has reached 256.

Latest Updates on the Wayanad Landslides:

– An all-party meeting, chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, will be held on Thursday to discuss rescue operations. The meeting will include state ministers, Wayanad MLAs, and political party leaders to coordinate efforts in the affected areas.

– Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has described the landslides as a “colossal tragedy” and has expressed sympathy for those affected.

– Construction is underway for a 190-foot-long Bailey bridge to connect Mundakkai and Chooralmala and improve rescue operations.

– Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Kerala government for not acting quickly enough on warnings about potential landslides from the central government.

– Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan responded, saying that only an orange alert was issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and the rainfall was heavier than predicted.

– Rescue efforts have successfully saved 1,386 people, including 528 men, 559 women, and 299 children, who have been moved to seven camps. 201 people are currently hospitalized, with 90 still receiving treatment.

– The rescue teams are using sniffer dogs and advanced detection systems to find people buried under the debris.

– Financial aid is being mobilized, with prominent figures and organizations, including Lulu Group Chairman M A Yusuff Ali, industrialist Ravi Pillai, Kalyan Jewellers owner Kalyana Raman, KSFE, and the Adani Group, each contributing ₹5 crore to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF).

– Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent condolences to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu for the loss of lives and injuries caused by the landslides.

Kerala CM Vijayan Denies Amit Shah’s ‘Early Warning’ Claims on Wayanad

July 31, 2024, 7:32 pm

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan refuted Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claim that the state was warned about a potential natural calamity in Wayanad as early as July 23 due to heavy rains.

“This is not the time for blame games. Reports from the Rajya Sabha indicate that the Union Home Minister asserted that a warning was issued and that Kerala did not respond appropriately,” Vijayan said at a press conference.

Vijayan explained that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued only an orange alert for the district before the landslides. However, Wayanad received over 500 millimeters of rain, significantly more than the IMD’s forecast.

“The orange alert predicted rainfall between 115 and 204 mm. In reality, the area received 200 mm in the first 24 hours and 372 mm in the next 24 hours, totaling 572 mm in 48 hours—far exceeding the initial warning. The region had never been on red alert before the disaster, which was only issued at 6 am after the incident,” Vijayan said.

He noted that between July 23 and July 28, the Central Meteorological Department did not issue any orange alerts for heavy rain in Kerala. An orange alert for Wayanad was only issued at 1 pm on July 29, and the red alert for heavy rain came only at 6 am on July 30, after the landslides had occurred.

The Geological Survey of India issued a green alert for July 30 and 31 at 2 pm on July 29, indicating a possibility of minor landslides or rock bursts, but heavy rain and landslides had already occurred by then, Vijayan said.

From July 23 to 29, the Central Water Commission did not issue any warnings for Iruvazhinji Puzha or Chaliyar. “The Union Home Minister’s statements in Parliament are inconsistent with these facts,” Vijayan added.

He emphasized that Kerala had requested nine NDRF teams at the start of the rainy season, and a team was already deployed in Wayanad. Preparations were made based on advance information about potential floods and other natural calamities, including landslides.

Vijayan stressed the need for proactive measures to address climate change, urging that the central government should also take serious action. “This is not the time for blaming each other. We are facing a disaster, and it is crucial to rescue survivors, locate those buried, restore affected areas, and rebuild. We call for collective support for Kerala during this critical time,” he said.

In Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah claimed that Kerala could have reduced losses in Wayanad if it had acted on early warnings. Shah noted that the central government had sent nine NDRF teams on July 23 and three more on July 29. He stated that early warnings were given on July 23, 24, 25, and 26, and questioned what actions the Kerala government took in response.

Shah emphasized that the central government has invested Rs 2000 crores since 2014 to improve the early warning system and claimed that India now has one of the most advanced systems globally.

Meanwhile, rescue operations continue in Wayanad’s Chooralmala area, with 1,200 rescue workers from various organizations deployed. The Indian Army has evacuated over 1,000 people, and the Indian Air Force is also conducting search and rescue operations.

The landslides on July 30 caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, roads, and water bodies. The first landslide occurred at 2 am, followed by another at 4:10 am. Many areas remain isolated, and the Vellarmala GVH School was completely buried.

Vijayan assured that power supply has been restored in Kalpetta town and hospitals, and reported a loss of Rs 3 crore in Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas. He urged against spreading false information and stressed the need for unity and constructive efforts to address the disaster.

He announced that the cabinet has requested the disaster be declared a national disaster and assured that relief funds will be used appropriately without misappropriation.

Gautam Adani Extends Rs 5 Crore Financial Aid to Kerala Following Wayanad Landslide

July 31, 2024, 6:58 pm

Gautam Adani, Chairman and Founder of the Adani Group, expressed his condolences for the lives lost in the Wayanad landslide and announced a financial aid of Rs 5 crore to support relief efforts in Kerala. The landslide, triggered by incessant rainfall, has resulted in 158 confirmed deaths, according to the Kerala Revenue Department.

In a post on X, Adani said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in Wayanad. My heart goes out to the affected families. The Adani Group stands in solidarity with Kerala during this difficult time.” He added, “We humbly extend our support with a contribution of Rs 5 crore to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.”

Meanwhile, the Southern Naval Command dispatched a disaster relief team of 68 personnel from INS Zamorin at Ezhimala to the affected areas. The team, equipped with medical personnel and essential equipment, arrived at the site at 10 pm on July 30, 2024. Additional teams are on standby and will be deployed as needed. An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) detachment in Search and Rescue (SAR) configuration was also deployed from Kochi to Calicut to assist in the rescue efforts.

The regional meteorological department has issued warnings for heavy rainfall in five districts, including Wayanad. An Orange Alert is in place for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, while a Yellow Alert is issued for several other districts. No rain warnings are in effect for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam.

The Kerala government is compiling a list of those affected by the landslide. Kerala Revenue and Housing Minister K Rajan stated that the list, based on ration cards and plantation records, will be available by the evening. Comprehensive rehabilitation measures will follow.

Maldives President Muizzu Expresses Condolences To PM Modi Following Tragic Wayanad Landslide

July 31, 2024, 5:28 pm

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has extended his condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the devastating landslides in Wayanad District, Kerala, which claimed over a hundred lives and left many injured. Muizzu expressed deep sorrow upon hearing about the landslide, describing the extensive loss of lives, livelihoods, and destruction as an ‘unimaginable tragedy.’

“In his message, the President offered condolences on behalf of the government and the people of the Maldives. He expressed hope that the search and rescue efforts at the site will be able to operate quickly and successfully,” according to the Maldives President’s Office’s official statement.

“The President expressed profound sorrow upon learning of the landslides in Wayanad District, Kerala State, that took the lives of over a hundred and injured many more. He described the extensive loss of lives, livelihoods, and devastation caused by this disaster as an unimaginable tragedy,” the statement added.

Muizzu concluded his message by wishing strength to the victims’ families, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this unfortunate catastrophe, hoping they can overcome the painful consequences.

The death toll from the landslides in Meppadi, Wayanad, has risen to 158, according to the Kerala Revenue Department. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the affected areas of Chooralmala in Wayanad, with 1,200 rescue workers from the Indian Army, DSC Centre, Territorial Army, NDRF, Indian Navy, and IAF deployed.

Brigadier Arjun Seagan, Commandant of the Para Regimental Training Centre, stated that 500 to 600 personnel from the NDRF, army, state police, forest officials, and volunteers have been conducting rescue operations. The Indian Army has ramped up its efforts, successfully evacuating more than 1,000 people to safety using man-made bridges and human effort.

Despite challenging weather and poor visibility, Indian Air Force helicopters have been conducting search and rescue operations, rescuing stranded individuals from narrow strips of land.

The landslides struck Wayanad on Tuesday morning, causing widespread destruction. The first occurred in Mundakkai and the second in Chooralmala, damaging homes and roads, uprooting trees, and swelling water bodies, which hindered rescue efforts. Relief operations are ongoing.

The first landslide hit at 2 am on July 30, followed by another at 4:10 am, causing significant damage to homes and livelihoods. Many areas, including Meppadi, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala, have been cut off, and roads have been washed away. The Vellarmala GVH School was completely buried.

Gautam Adani Donates Rs 5 Crore For Kerala’s Wayanad Landslide Relief

July 31, 2024, 5:18 pm

Gautam Adani, Chairman and founder of the Adani Group, expressed his condolences for the lives lost in the Wayanad landslide and pledged Rs 5 crore to support relief efforts in Kerala. The death toll from the landslides in the Meppadi area of Wayanad district, triggered by continuous rainfall, has risen to 158, according to the Kerala Revenue Department.

In a post on X, Adani shared, “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in Wayanad. My heart goes out to the affected families. The Adani Group stands in solidarity with Kerala during this difficult time.” He added, “We humbly extend our support with a contribution of Rs 5 Cr to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.”

Additionally, the Southern Naval Command dispatched a disaster relief team of 68 personnel from INS Zamorin at Ezhimala to assist in the affected areas. The team, which included medical personnel and necessary equipment, arrived at the site at 10 pm on the same day they were dispatched. More teams are on standby for deployment as needed. An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) detachment was also deployed from Kochi to Calicut to aid in the rescue efforts.

The regional meteorological department has issued a warning for heavy rainfall in five districts, including Wayanad. An Orange Alert is in place for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, while a Yellow Alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad. There are no rain warnings for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam.

The Kerala government is compiling a list of those affected by the landslide. Kerala Revenue and Housing Minister K Rajan stated that the number of people affected will be available by the evening. He noted that the list would be based on ration cards and mustering records of plantations, and that camps will continue with comprehensive rehabilitation measures to follow.

Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi to Visit Landslide-Hit Wayanad

July 30, 2024, 7:56 pm

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are planning to visit Wayanad, Kerala, after massive landslides claimed 84 lives (may be updated).

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said, “This is a time for unity. We must work together to save as many lives as possible. Both Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi are planning to visit Wayanad.” He added that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has pledged full support and that extensive rehabilitation efforts are underway.

Venugopal described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and outlined the party’s response. “We are working tirelessly on rescue and rehabilitation measures with the government and other agencies. Rahul Gandhi immediately contacted the District Collector and Chief Minister, offering full support. He also spoke to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who assured complete cooperation,” he said.

Congress MP Hibi Eden introduced an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, demanding expedited rescue operations and maximum aid for the affected. Party leader Ramesh Chennithala called for a collective effort to provide relief to victims and their families, urging for immediate and intensive rescue operations.

Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh described the situation as “shocking” with a collapsed bridge and widespread devastation. He confirmed that the Kerala government, Indian Air Force, and National Disaster Response Force are engaged in rescue efforts.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed the recovery of 84 bodies from the landslides in Meppadi. NDRF, Civil Defence, and Navy teams are on the ground, with medical resources deployed to nearby hospitals.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has activated the entire government machinery for rescue and relief operations. A control room has been established, and a delegation of five ministers is heading to the affected area.

The landslides have severely impacted Meppadi, Mundakkal Town, and Chooralmala areas.

Rahul Gandhi Demands To See Urgency On Centre’s Part For Wayanad Landslide Victims

July 30, 2024, 1:24 pm

On Tuesday, Kerala’s Wayanad district was hit by a series of severe landslides, resulting in the deaths of at least 45 people. The disaster struck the Meppadi region, where torrential rains triggered three consecutive landslides that ravaged Chooralmala village.

The heavy rains caused widespread destruction, washing away roads, bridges, and homes, and sending bodies floating in the rivers. Rescue efforts have been challenging, as the full extent of the damage remains unclear.

The landslides occurred between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., destroying significant portions of Chooralmala, including local shops and vehicles. Authorities have confirmed 45 fatalities, with concerns that many more may be trapped under the debris. Reports indicate that over 200 homes in Chooralmala were swept away.

Compounding the difficulties, the collapse of the bridge over the Iruvazhinji River has disrupted rescue operations in Mundakkai, as it was the only connection between Chooralmala and Mundakkai.

The situation remains critical, with minor landslides continuing in the upper hills of Wayanad. Additionally, the Chaliyar River’s water level has surged beyond the danger mark due to runoff from the Meppadi landslides.

In response, the Indian Army from Wellington, Coonoor has been deployed to assist with rescue operations and to construct a temporary bridge to reconnect Mundakkai. According to the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology, more than 300 mm of rainfall was recorded in parts of the Western Ghats over the past 24 hours.

In the Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said, “Early this morning, Wayanad was hit by several devastating landslides. More than 70 people have been killed. Mundakkai village has been cut off, and the full extent of the loss of life and damage is still being assessed. I have spoken to the Defence Minister and the Chief Minister of Kerala. I urge the Union Government to provide all possible support for rescue and medical care, expedite compensation for the victims—possibly increasing the compensation amount—restore essential transport and communication links, set up immediate relief efforts, and develop a plan for the rehabilitation of affected families. The threat of further landslides remains in many areas of Wayanad and the Western Ghats. Our country has seen a troubling increase in landslides in recent years. It is crucial to map landslide-prone areas, implement mitigation measures, and create an action plan to address the rising frequency of natural disasters in this ecologically sensitive region.”

In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged support from the central government. Rahul Gandhi has also committed to seeking additional assistance from Union ministers.

Relief efforts are ongoing, with two Indian Air Force helicopters deployed to assist. Visuals from the scene show rescue teams working through debris and flooding, with many homes already destroyed.

Kerala, which has faced severe flooding in the past, including the devastating 2018 flood that claimed nearly 400 lives, remains highly vulnerable to such natural calamities.