WATCH | Devastating Landslides in Wayanad: Roads and Cars Swept Away

Disturbing videos of the recent landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, have emerged on social media, revealing extensive damage to roads, property, and trees. The relentless rainfall in the region has triggered multiple landslides, resulting in over 70 fatalities and leaving hundreds trapped under debris. As of Tuesday, officials report that approximately 250 individuals have been rescued […]

Wayanad Landslides
by Ruchira Talapatra - July 30, 2024, 4:46 pm

Disturbing videos of the recent landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, have emerged on social media, revealing extensive damage to roads, property, and trees. The relentless rainfall in the region has triggered multiple landslides, resulting in over 70 fatalities and leaving hundreds trapped under debris. As of Tuesday, officials report that approximately 250 individuals have been rescued and relocated to temporary shelters.

The landslides struck Wayanad on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction and trapping many residents. Emergency response teams, including fire and rescue, civil defense, NDRF, and local units, are actively involved in rescue operations. Additional support has been mobilized with an extra NDRF team and two teams from the Kannur Defence Security Corps sent to aid in the efforts. Two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17 and an ALH, are also participating in the rescue operations.

Disturbing footage circulating online shows the severe impact of the disaster, including roads, vehicles, properties, and trees being destroyed. Reports indicate that several bodies have been discovered floating in different sections of the Chaliyar River in Malappuram.

Some videos depict cars being carried away by floodwaters. One video shows a car and a jeep trapped among uprooted trees in rapidly flowing water. Another video, shared by news agency ANI, highlights the damage to buildings in the Chooralmala area of Wayanad.

The Congress party in Kerala has shared images and videos of the ongoing rescue efforts. They expressed their condolences to the families affected and urged media and social media users to handle the news with sensitivity and avoid sensationalism or spreading misinformation.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office announced that a control room has been established to coordinate immediate relief and rescue efforts. The Chief Minister has directed that rescue operations in Wayanad be managed efficiently, with ministers actively overseeing the efforts.