Kalpetta: The death toll in Wayanad Mundakai-Churalmala landslide disaster has reached 252. Heavy rain in the area is challenging the rescue operation. Although the current in the Mundakai river is strong, the army is continuing the construction of the bridge connecting it with Churalmala.The Army has successfully evacuated more than 1,000 people from affected areas so far. ‘Around 500 to 600 personnel from the NDRF team, Army, state police, forest officials, and volunteers have been carrying out the rescue operations today,’ said Brigadier Arjun Seagan.Naval teams and helicopters from the Air Force have also been mobilised to assist the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Army. ‘We will start airlifting the stranded people as soon as the weather conditions improved,’ Brigadier Arjun Seagan said.
Kerala has been battered by incessant rain in the region, with blocked roads complicating relief efforts. The state recorded 372 mm rainfall in 24 hours before three landslides hit Wayanad district in four hours.The weather department has predicted more rain for Wayanad and several other districts over the next couple of days. This alert has been issued for Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod districts. Four districts are under orange alert — Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan this morning and assured all help to the LDF government. He has also asked BJP chief JP Nadda to ensure that party workers assist in rescue work.
