The Wayanad landslide tragedy has claimed at least 123 lives as of Tuesday evening. The landslides have caused widespread destruction, including damaged homes, uprooted trees, and swollen water bodies, complicating rescue efforts. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the event as one of the most severe natural disasters the state has faced, highlighting the tragic loss of life, including children and infants.
Government Response and Rescue Efforts:
A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vijayan focused on coordinating rescue operations and planning further actions. The Army, Navy, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed, with the Navy’s River Crossing Team joining the efforts. Over 3,000 people have been relocated to 45 relief camps, and ongoing efforts are being made to rescue those still trapped.
Weather Alerts and Forecast:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Wayanad, signaling expected extremely heavy rainfall. A red alert is also in effect for eight other districts in northern and central Kerala, while an orange alert has been issued for additional districts. The IMD’s warnings indicate that severe weather conditions may exacerbate the situation.