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Wayanad: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel conduct rescue operations after a landslide in the hills near Maipati in Wayanad district of Kerala (PTI Photo)
The Kerala government on Tuesday declared two days of national mourning after devastating landslides in Wayanad killed at least 98 people
Rescue operations have been stepped up in Kerala's Wayanad province, where Indian troops have been deployed to help deal with massive landslides triggered by heavy rains.
Earlier on Tuesday, 146 people were killed and hundreds injured in a landslide in the hilly area near Maipardi. The Army is closely coordinating with the NDRF and other agencies to conduct rescue operations in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for the Wayanad hills and all northern districts of Kerala, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in the next 24 hours.
Indian Army conducts rescue operation in Wayanad
In addition to the four columns with a total strength of about 225 personnel that have been deployed for the operation, two other columns consisting of at least 140 personnel are on standby in Thiruvananthapuram for airlift in case of emergency.
The Army has also established a command and control center at Kozhikode to coordinate HADR efforts.
Helicopters are conducting reconnaissance of the affected areas and conducting damage assessments to guide rescue operations in the right direction.
In addition to assistance with medicines and first aid, ECHS POLYCLINC Kalpetta provides all possible help to the Flood Action Column in terms of doctor/nursing assistant service and ambulance service.
The Army remains steadfast in assisting stranded citizens and working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all.
CM Vijayan urges people to avoid traveling to Wayanad
The Kerala government on Tuesday declared two days of national mourning after a devastating landslide in Wayanad killed at least 146 people and injured 128 others.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state government was deeply saddened by the tragic incident that resulted in the death of many people and widespread destruction of houses and other properties.
Under the agreement, the flag will fly at half-mast and all public events and celebrations will be cancelled.
The chief minister also urged people to avoid unnecessary travel to Wayanad, adding that rescue operations were a top priority.
“Kerala Bank has donated Rs 50 lakh to CMDRF. Sikkim Chief Minister has pledged assistance of Rs 2 crore and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has pledged assistance of Rs 5 crore.
CM presides over high-level meetings
A high-level meeting was held on Tuesday under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to coordinate relief operations in Wayanad and discuss further steps.
The minister took stock of the rescue operations and reviewed coordination with central government agencies, deployment of relief forces, health and safety precautions and facilities at relief camps.
Wayanad landslide kills more than 109
Earlier on Tuesday, more than 116 people were killed and 128 injured in a massive landslide in the hilly areas near Maipati in Wayanad district of Kerala. About 150 people have been rescued from Mudakkayi village, provided medical assistance and evacuated to safer places. So far, 37 bodies have been identified.
The landslides that occurred between 2 am and 4 am mainly affected Mundakai and Chooralmala. Rescue efforts in Mundakai have been hampered by blocked roads and unstable terrain.
Prime Minister Modi expressed deep concern and assured that the central government would provide all necessary assistance to deal with the crisis.
