Wayanad Landslides: 199 Post-Mortems Conducted So Far, Says Kerala Health Minister

Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced on Friday that post-mortem examinations have been completed on 199 bodies in Wayanad. In a Facebook post, Minister George also mentioned that DNA samples have been collected from 130 body parts.

She further noted that ICUs are prepared in Wayanad hospitals to provide intensive care to those rescued from the disaster areas. Hospitals like Manjeri Medical College and Kozhikode Medical College, accessible by airlift, are on standby.

Earlier in the day, the Indian Army rescued four individuals, including two men and two women, from the debris in Wayanad. The rescued were stranded in Padavetti Kunnu, with one woman receiving medical attention for leg difficulties.

The Army’s Engineer Task Force swiftly constructed a Bailey Bridge over the Iruvanipzha River at Chooralmala, accelerating rescue operations. Ten specialized teams, equipped with rescue apparatus, dog squads, and heavy earth-moving equipment, have been deployed. These teams are conducting thorough search operations in six designated zones: Punchirimattom, Mundekkai, School area, Chooralmala town, Village area, and Downstream.

Brigadier Arjun Segan, Commandant of the Para Regimental Training Centre, stated that locals are now included in search parties due to their knowledge of the area. He added that the completion of the bridge by 6 pm last evening has enabled vehicular movement upslope.

The Indian Air Force is flying a C-130 aircraft from Hindon air base to Wayanad, carrying specialized drone systems and experts for sub-soil evacuation monitoring. These drones will help locate people trapped under the soil.

Rescue operations by relief teams, including 10 teams of 30 members each from the Armed Forces and Police, began at 7 am today. Coordinated efforts by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and civil administration are underway at multiple locations, ensuring quick evacuation, provision of basic amenities, and medical assistance.

The regional meteorological department has issued a yellow alert for heavy rains in five districts, including Wayanad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod.