Wayanad: The Chaliyar River, long a lifeline for communities across Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode districts in Kerala, has tragically transformed into a grim symbol of devastation following the landslides of July 30th.

Originating from the convergence of two major tributaries in the Western Ghats, the 169-km river now bears a sorrowful burden: the bodies of many lost in the disaster. Despite ongoing efforts by multiple agencies like the Navy, police, Fire and Rescue teams, NDRF, and local volunteers, the river continues to yield grim discoveries.

Recently, three more complete bodies and 13 body parts were retrieved from the Chaliyar River, bringing the somber tally to 73 bodies and 132 body parts recovered. These figures combine into a grim total of 205 victims, according to official reports.

Among the deceased are 37 men, 29 women, 3 boys, and 4 girls, detailed a Malappuram district official. Autopsies on 198 bodies and body parts have been concluded, with 195 transferred to Wayanad for further procedures and three claimed by their families.

State authorities have pledged to sustain search operations along the river's 40-km stretch, part of intensified efforts as the death toll from the catastrophic landslides keeps escalating. 

Rescue operations have mobilised extensively, involving personnel from the NDRF, K-9 Dog Squad, Army, Special Operation Group, Madras Engineering Group, Police, Fire Force, Forest Department, Navy, and Coast Guard, all deployed in the stricken regions of Wayanad to assist in recovery and relief efforts. PTI