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Indian Army soldiers built a prefabricated bridge for rescue operations across a river following a landslide in Cholarmala in Wayanad state on Tuesday. (Photo/PTI)
Satellite images depict the before and after landslides, which widened river channels and caused severe damage to homes and infrastructure along the banks
Two days after a massive landslide killed more than 250 people in the hilly town of Wayanad in Kerala, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has released satellite images of the widespread damage caused in the area.
The massive landslide that hit Wayanad on Tuesday claimed the lives of at least 256 people and left 206 missing. The Indian Army, NDRF and local emergency agencies have launched a massive search and rescue operation to trace those who may have been trapped in the tragedy.
The National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC), Hyderabad, used ISRO's advanced Cartosat-3 optical satellite and RISAT satellite to capture the extent of damage caused by the Wayanad landslide.
Triggered by heavy rainfall, the landslide occurred at an altitude of 1,550 meters. Heavy rains in and around the town of Choralmala triggered severe mudslides and exacerbated landslides, according to a report by the National Natural Resources Council. The landslide area is 86,000 square meters.
Satellite images depict the before and after landslides, with mudslides widening river channels and causing severe damage to homes and infrastructure along the banks.
A 3D rendering of the landslide crown shows that much of the slope has been affected.
Satellite data also revealed the presence of old landslides at the same location, highlighting the area's vulnerability to such hazards.
Rescue teams resumed rescue operations at various locations in Wayanad on Thursday. Kerala Minister K Rajan said more than 1,600 troops were involved in the rescue operation. “This day is very important as more than 1,600 people are involved in the rescue operation. Social workers are also involved… The CM reached Kalpetta around 9:30 am and will meet the officials at 10:30 am… Later he will visit This location,” he said.
