Heavy rains are severely hampering rescue efforts in Wayanad, Kerala, where the devastating landslides have claimed over 250 lives and left around 240 people missing. The landslides, which occurred early on Tuesday, struck the regions of Churalpara, Velarimala, Mundakayil, and Pothukalu. Rescue operations are in full swing, involving 1,200 personnel from the defense, police, fire services, and local volunteers. Despite these efforts, continuous rainfall, expected to last until August 2 according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), is complicating the situation further.
In response to the crisis, the IMD has issued a 'yellow' alert for nine districts in Kerala, including Wayanad, and a holiday has been declared for educational institutions in these areas. The heavy rainfall, predicted to range from 64.5 to 115.5 mm within 24 hours, has led to significant disruptions in local activities and has heightened the urgency of the rescue operations.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have arrived in Wayanad to support the relief efforts and meet with affected families. They will visit relief camps and medical facilities to assess the situation and provide assistance. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is also on-site to oversee the situation and coordinate with various parties on rehabilitation plans for the impacted villages.
Healthcare professionals are working tirelessly to manage the crisis, providing critical care to injured survivors and performing autopsies on the deceased. As of the latest reports, 256 autopsies have been completed, including body parts. Health Minister Veena George has confirmed that genetic samples are being taken from the recovered remains to aid in identification. The Chief Minister has requested additional support from the Army and Air Force to enhance the relief efforts in the affected region.
In response to the crisis, the IMD has issued a 'yellow' alert for nine districts in Kerala, including Wayanad, and a holiday has been declared for educational institutions in these areas. The heavy rainfall, predicted to range from 64.5 to 115.5 mm within 24 hours, has led to significant disruptions in local activities and has heightened the urgency of the rescue operations.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have arrived in Wayanad to support the relief efforts and meet with affected families. They will visit relief camps and medical facilities to assess the situation and provide assistance. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is also on-site to oversee the situation and coordinate with various parties on rehabilitation plans for the impacted villages.
Healthcare professionals are working tirelessly to manage the crisis, providing critical care to injured survivors and performing autopsies on the deceased. As of the latest reports, 256 autopsies have been completed, including body parts. Health Minister Veena George has confirmed that genetic samples are being taken from the recovered remains to aid in identification. The Chief Minister has requested additional support from the Army and Air Force to enhance the relief efforts in the affected region.