Wayanad Landslide Live Updates: 93 bodies recovered so far, 128 people injured, says Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
After massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district this morning, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that 93 bodies had been recovered so far, and 128 people injured. The Kerala CM added that 34 persons from Wayanad who had lost their lives in the landslides have been identified, with 18 bodies being handed over to the families of the deceased. The Kerala government declared a two-day state mourning after the disaster
Rescue efforts are underway as the army has deployed 200 soldiers from the Defence Security Corps and a medical team to assist with the rescue operations. Additionally, two helicopters from the Air Force Station in Sulur have been dispatched to aid in the efforts. In addition to these, the Canine Squad of the Indian army, with breeds like Belgian Malinois, Labradors, and German Shepherds, which are capable of smelling human remains and the faintest of breath under mud, will also join the rescue operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of each deceased individual, along with Rs. 50,000 for those injured. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He addressed the Lower House, urging the Union Government to provide all necessary support for rescue and medical care and to release compensation promptly to the families of the deceased, suggesting an increase in the compensation amount. Gandhi also highlighted the alarming rise in landslides in Wayanad and the Western Ghats, emphasizing the need for immediate mapping of landslide-prone areas and measures to mitigate such natural disasters.
