Wayanad landslide: Rescue efforts challenging; three ministers to reach in helicopter

Kalpetta: Minister O R Kelu has announced that three ministers will be heading to the landslide-hit areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala in Wayanad. Apart from him, Ministers K Rajan and P A Mohamed Riyas will be reaching the disaster zone via helicopter.

Minister Kelu stated that reaching the disaster site is currently impossible due to the washed-out bridge, posing a massive hurdle for rescue operations. Helicopter assistance has been sought, including from the District Collector, and communication with the army has been established. The Minister assured that every possible effort is being made to conduct rescue operations. Minister A K Saseendran emphasised that the extent of the disaster is still unclear and also said that help from the Army and NDRF would be required.

The landslides occurred around 2 am on Tuesday initially, followed by another at approximately 4:10 am. Reports indicate casualties, including a foreign national among the deceased. Many people are stranded in the affected area as heavy rains continue.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that all government agencies have joined the search and rescue operations. The operations will be coordinated, and State ministers will reach the hilly district to lead the rescue activities, he said.

He added that in the wake of the landslides and other rain-related disasters in Wayanad district, the Health Department -- National Health Mission -- has opened a control room. 

Those in need of emergency assistance can contact authorities through these two numbers -- 9656938689 and 8086010833 -- the statement said. 

The Collector of Wayanad, Meghasree D R through her official Facebook page, has urged government officials and teachers in the district to be present at their respective offices and institutions and participate in disaster management coordination activities.