Thiruvananthapuram: A series of devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district has resulted in at least 24 fatalities, with hundreds of individuals feared trapped under debris. The landslides, triggered by torrential rains, caused significant damage, sweeping away roads and isolating numerous communities.
According to the reports, the initial landslide struck around 2 a.m., followed by additional landslides later in the morning. Emergency response teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are currently engaged in rescue operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and offered support through a post on X (formerly Twitter). He stated, “Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue operations are underway to assist all those affected. I have spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Shri @pinarayivijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there.”
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also addressed the situation, emphasizing the state’s commitment to coordinating rescue efforts. An update from the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office on X read, “CM @pinarayivijayan has directed a prompt coordination of rescue operations following the devastating landslide. The entire government machinery is actively involved, with Ministers overseeing and managing the response efforts.”
Several videos of the aftermath, showing the extent of the destruction, have circulated widely on social media, highlighting the severity of the situation in Wayanad.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of two lakh rupees from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased in the landslides in parts of Wayanad. The injured will be given 50 thousand rupees.
