Kerala Wayanad Landslides: 116 dead and hundreds fear-trapped

The entire area is swept away with massive landslides; the Army has been deployed for the rescue operation.

The Kerala Wayanad landslides have caused distress among people in the state. Massive landslides occurred recently across various hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district. This harrowing incident has left several injured and many others dead. It is said that so far, 116 have died due to the landslides, and now the Army has been deployed to assist in rescue operations.

Kerala Wayanad landslides.

Horrifying images of the landslides in Kerala Wayanadwere widespread across social media and news platforms, showcasing how many were fear-trapped, how many others died, and how officials were engaged in the rescue operation. Three landslides occurred in Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district within four hours. At least 116 people have been killed, and 128 are injured, while hundreds of others are fear-trapped after the massive landslides.

116 dead so far in the landslides.

On Tuesday late at night, Veena George, Kerala Health Minister, confirmed that the autopsies of 116 bodies were completed. She posted on Facebook, “The autopsy of 116 dead bodies has been completed.” 

Army deployed for the rescue operation.

Multiple agencies, including the NDRF and the Army, have been deployed for the rescue operations as three landslides occurred within four hours in Wayanad. Among the worst affected areas were Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages, and many are feared to have been washed away in the Chaliyar river.

The government declared state mourning for two days.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called it a heart-wrenching disaster. The government declared state mourning for two days. He said, “The landslide in Wayanad is a heart-wrenching disaster. There was extremely heavy rainfall. An entire area has been wiped out. Many who went to sleep last night have been swept away.”

The Indian Army said in a statement that it had deployed 225 personnel, including medical teams, two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17, and an ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter).