Wayanad landslide: Expert team to assess damage in disaster affected areas

Thiruvananthapuram: A team of experts has been appointed to inspect and assess the damage to buildings in the disaster-affected areas of Wayanad. The Disaster Management Authority has been instructed to submit a report within a week.

The team, comprising 10 officials, will visit both partially and completely destroyed houses to determine if they are safe for residents to live. They will also inspect stables, shops, commercial buildings, and offices.

The inspection will cover buildings in the declared disaster-affected areas of Kottappady, Vellarmala, and Thrikkaipetta. The team includes geologists from the Department of Mining and Geology, a civil engineer from the Local Self Government, a health inspector, and a representative from the Land Revenue Department. They will be accompanied by a ward member familiar with the area.

The team will assess the structural strength of the remaining buildings, from the foundation to the roof, and evaluate the threat posed by debris. If a building needs to be demolished, this will be included in the report. They will also check for signs of direct landslide impact, cracks in the walls and foundation, and the overall condition of the roof and building.

The final report will include an assessment of landslide risks in nearby regions, the presence of rocks, soil conditions, liquefied sediment, availability of drinking water and pollutions. The Local Joint Director and Executive Engineer will verify the draft report and prepare the final version for submission to the Disaster Management Authority.

Chief Secretary has been entrusted with the task of taking a decision regarding the continuation of the rescue mission led by the armed forces, after conducting discussions with higher officials, said Chief Minister. He also informed that the Relief Commissioner is appointed to take necessary actions related to the visit of a four-member inter-ministerial central team headed by the Joint Secretary of the Union Home Ministry.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George noted that genetic samples are being collected from recovered remains for identification. If possible, the police will assist in recovering valuables from the houses in the disaster-affected areas. A coordinated system involving Akshaya, the IT Mission, and panchayats will be set up to help people retrieve important documents lost in the landslide.