The death toll due to the landslides in Wayanad in the southern Indian state of Kerala has touched 140 as rescue operations are still ongoing to track those missing, media reports said.
According to reports, 100 people still remain unaccounted for.
Following the three landslides which hit Wayanad, multiple agencies, including the NDRF, and the Army, are currently operating in the region to conduct the rescue process.
Some of the worst-hit areas in the district are Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) district HQ (Kerala and Mahe) and ICG station Beypore, dispatched disaster relief teams (DRT) on July 30, to the landslide-affected areas in Wayanad, as per a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.
The DRT comprising highly trained ICG personnel and dedicated medical team have been mobilised to provide immediate relief and support to the communities impacted by the disaster.
The teams are equipped with essential disaster relief materials such as rubber inflatable boats for rescue operations; diesel-driven pumps to manage water and drainage issues; life jackets for safety; raincoats and gumboots for personnel protection in adverse weather conditions and other earth-clearing implements for clearing debris and accessing affected areas.
ICG also dispatched food materials, drinking water, and other essential supplies to support the affected population. “ICG is working closely with local authorities to mitigate the impact of this disaster,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and his sister Priyanka Gandhi, have cancelled their visit to Wayanad due to incessant rain and weather conditions.
“Priyanka and I were scheduled to visit Wayanad tomorrow to meet with families affected by the landslide and take stock of the situation,” Rahul Gandhi wrote on X. “However, due to incessant rains and adverse weather conditions we have been informed by authorities that we will not be able to land,” he said. “I want to assure the people of Wayanad that we will visit as soon as possible. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide all necessary assistance,” the Indian politician posted on X.
