The Wayanad Landslide Death Toll Increases to 358; Rescue Operations in Progress

The southern state of Kerala has been facing deadly landslides in Wayanad since 31st July 2024. The landslides are said to be triggered by heavy rainfalls. Four days into the tragedy, the death toll has risen to 358 with many families still relying on search parties to recover their loved ones. 

The 2024 Wayanad landslides are considered to be the worst natural disaster in the State since the 2018 Kerala floods. Rescue teams have been deployed to ensure that bodies are recovered. Advanced technical gadgets and search dogs are also being utilised in the search.

Official sources state that 341 bodies have been autopsied and the identification of 146 bodies has been completed. The Acting Chief Justice, A. Muhamed Mustaq, of the Kerala High Court stated, “It must reflect in our actions and policies to make positive changes,” along with praises for the rescue and army personnel, medical professionals, volunteers, and local authorities.

On Friday, three days after disaster struck, the army was able to locate two men and two women in a remote area near the town of Chooralmala. One of them was injured but the four of them were not buried but were just in hiding, as reported by V T Mathew, a top army commander, to Reuters. 

Government Assistance

In the wake of the disaster, 17 relief camps have been set up in the town of Meppadi, near the villages that were wiped away during the landslides. These camps house 2,597 people from 707 families. The state overall has over 91 camps with nearly 10,000 people seeking relief and accommodation. A Mental Health Disaster Management team has also been formed by the state government to provide psychological support and guidance for the survivors, officials, and rescue workers affected by the landslides. 

Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF)

Many celebrities and industrialists have donated to the fund to show their support for Wayanad. M A Yusuff Ali, T S Kalyanaraman, and Ravi Pillai have agreed to donate Rs 5 crore each,” stated the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinaray Vijayan. The Tamil Nadu government has also shown support for their neighbouring state by donating over Rs 5 crore. Multiple celebrities from both the Malayalam and Tamil film industries, such as Kamal Haasan, Surya, Vikram, Mammootty, Dulquer Salmaan, Fahad Faasil, and Nazriya have donated to the CMDRF. The Kerala State Small Industries Association has also offered to construct houses on one acre of land for the people affected due to the landslides.