Kerala is like death in landslides, death toll rises to 276

International Desk: 276 dead bodies have been recovered so far in the Wenad landslide in Kerala, India. At least two hundred are still missing buried in piles of mud and stones.

At the time of writing this report on Thursday (August 1), the army, Kerala Disaster Management Authority, state emergency services and local people continued rescue operations amid the natural calamity. Times of India, Anandabazar and other local media reported that it has been raining heavily for the last few days in Wayanad of the state.

On Tuesday (July 30) morning, a sudden landslide occurred in the mountainous area. After hours, more reports of collapse started coming from different places. After receiving the information, various forces started rescue operations with the State Disaster Management Department. Joined by Air Force helicopters. But rescue operations were hampered by the magnitude of the disaster and inclement weather.

Many injured people trapped in it died.  According to the ground report, at least four villages in the jungles of the Western Ghats have been almost wiped out. Houses, gardens, shops are all buried under thousands of tons of stones and mud piles. There was no way to understand the vibrancy of the villages last week. It seems that the rescue workers are trying to find a town that has been destroyed. 

In this situation, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called an all-party meeting on Thursday. He said that the number of casualties in landslides was high in Churalmala, Mundakkai, Attamala and Nulpuzha villages. Many of the injured are in critical condition. They are being treated seriously.  He also said, we have never seen such a painful scene before.

All survivors will be rehabilitated. I will discuss this with all parties. The rescue operation will continue till the missing persons are found.