Kerala CM urges unity and support in wake of Wayanad landslide tragedy

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan issued an impassioned appeal on Tuesday amidst the aftermath of devastating landslides in Wayanad district, which claimed the lives of around 126 people and left hundreds injured. He urged citizens to unite as they did during the 2018 floods, rallying support to rebuild shattered lives and livelihoods.

Speaking at a press conference held later in the day, Vijayan emphasised the urgent need for more assistance to rehabilitate the affected regions and support the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. He recounted the tragic events that unfolded in the early hours of the day, noting how villagers in Mundakai, Chooralmala, and Attamala were caught off guard while asleep as landslides struck around 2 am and then again at 4:10 am.

Detailing the rescue efforts, Vijayan reported that many of the bodies have been recovered, identified and already handed over to grieving families. Additionally, 16 bodies were retrieved from the Chaliyar river at Pothukal village in neighbouring Malappuram district, alongside body parts of those swept away in the disaster.

The landslides severed crucial road connections in many parts of the hilly district, isolating communities like Mundakai and Chooralmala. Vijayan highlighted the extent of the devastation, noting that the Vellarmala GVH school had been completely buried, and a river had split into two due to the force of the landslides, causing substantial damage to homes and livelihoods.

Efforts to locate survivors trapped under debris or swept away continued unabated. Vijayan acknowledged the coordinated response of rescue teams, including state ministers who personally oversaw operations on the ground. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, fire brigade, and military units had mobilised swiftly to aid in the search and rescue operations.

In response to the crisis, 45 relief camps were set up in the district, accommodating approximately 3,069 displaced individuals. The Chief Minister assured that these camps were equipped with essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, facilitated by SupplyCo and the Public Distribution Department.

Temporary medical facilities were being established at various locations, including a church, madrasa, and institute in Chooralmala. Additional medical staff, including experienced disaster response doctors, were being deployed to provide immediate care to the injured and displaced.

Vijayan underscored the importance of establishing additional mortuary facilities to manage the deceased, including the use of mobile mortuaries. Genetic testing would be employed to identify bodies that could not be identified visually.

Despite the ongoing relief efforts, Vijayan emphasised the need for sustained support from the public and various institutions. He acknowledged contributions from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) towards the relief efforts, urging others to follow suit in contributing to the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund.

In response to the tragic loss of lives, Vijayan declared two days of official mourning across the state. During this period, public events and celebrations would be suspended, and the national flag would be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.

The landslides left a trail of destruction across picturesque hamlets like Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, transforming once-beautiful landscapes into scenes of sorrow and despair. The aftermath saw homes destroyed, water bodies swollen, and trees uprooted, complicating ongoing rescue and relief operations.

Vijayan concluded with a heartfelt call for solidarity, echoing the spirit of resilience shown during previous calamities. He urged the people of Kerala to stand united in support of the affected communities, emphasising that collective efforts were essential in helping them recover and rebuild their lives amidst the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.

All kinds of humanitarian assistance being provided to landslide-hit Kerala: Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Tuesday that all kinds of humanitarian assistance are being provided for rescue and relief operations in Wayanad district of Kerala, which has been hit by landslides caused by heavy rains.

He also said that two senior IAS officers have been deployed to coordinate relief operations in Kerala. "Also, a helpline has been opened in the office of the District Collector of Chamaraja Nagar, Gadizilla." (With input from Agencies)