Wayanad landslides: Death toll up at 133, hundreds trapped

Wayanad, July 31: The death toll from the series of devastating landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district has risen to 133, with hundreds more injured and trapped, according to local media reports. The landslides, triggered by relentless rainfall, have caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, roads, and uprooting trees, while also swelling local water bodies.

Also Read: Odisha doctors missing after Wayanad landslide

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) reported that extensive rescue efforts are ongoing, involving fire and rescue services, civil defence, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local emergency response teams. Approximately 200 Indian Army personnel from DSC Centre Kannur and 122 TA Battalion from Kozhikode are assisting in the rescue operations, along with two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17 and an ALH.

Over 120 rescued and injured individuals are receiving treatment in various hospitals in Wayanad. Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed that postmortems have been completed for 116 bodies.

In response to the disaster and continuous rainfall, all educational institutions in the region will remain closed on Wednesday, July 31. A holiday has also been declared in 11 districts, including Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta.

Also Read: Kerala landslides: Indian Air Force deploys two choppers for rescue ops in Wayanad 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange’ alert for Wayanad and neighbouring districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall on July 31 and August 1. The IMD also predicts continued heavy rainfall for August 2, accompanied by strong surface winds reaching 30-40 km/h, with gusts up to 50 km/h.

The Odisha Chief Minister's Office (CMO) reported that two individuals from Odisha are missing in the Wayanad landslides. "The state government is in regular communication with the Kerala government regarding the massive landslide that has affected many lives in Wayanad. As per information from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, two rescued Odia people are under treatment, while two others are still missing," the CMO posted on social media.

The bodies of several victims have been found downstream in the Chaliyar River, near Nilambur village, located seven kilometres south of Mundakkai. Disturbing videos of the disaster have surfaced on social media, highlighting the extent of the devastation.

Also Read: 24 dead, hundreds feared trapped in massive landslides in Wayanad

Local officials noted that many of the victims were tea estate workers living in small homes along arterial roads or at the base of plantations. In response, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened a high-level meeting to coordinate rescue operations, assess the situation, and review cooperation with central government agencies. The CM expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, noting that 3,069 people are currently housed in 45 relief camps in Wayanad, with five ministers coordinating relief efforts.

Condolences have poured in from across the country, including from President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and former Wayanad lawmaker Rahul Gandhi. United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, Shombi Sharp, also expressed grief over the landslides, stating, "On behalf of @UNinIndia, we are deeply saddened by the devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all affected, in solidarity with first responders undertaking courageous relief efforts."