A catastrophic landslide struck Wayanad, Kerala, on July 30, 2024, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread devastation. The death toll has risen to 185, with many still missing as rescue teams continue their efforts under challenging conditions.
The Disaster
Triggered by heavy rainfall, the landslide in the Chooralmala-Mundakkai area buried entire settlements under debris. This disaster has left numerous families devastated and entire communities in mourning. The sudden displacement of rocks and soil has caused severe damage to infrastructure, making the rescue efforts even more difficult.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Rescue operations have been severely hampered by ongoing heavy rains and challenging terrain. Despite these difficulties, over 481 individuals have been rescued so far. The Indian Air Force has deployed C-130 aircraft and drones for rescue operations, while the Indian Army’s Bailey Bridge has been crucial for accessing the affected areas. Medical and rescue teams from neighboring Tamil Nadu have also been deployed to assist in the efforts.
Government and International Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation for the victims’ families, offering ₹2 lakh to the relatives of the deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who has a strong connection to Wayanad, has been actively involved in coordinating relief efforts. The Kerala state government initially imposed a ban on scientific studies in the affected area but later revoked this decision.
International condolences have come from leaders including US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and many others, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.
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Community and Corporate Support
Corporate entities and prominent individuals have come forward with substantial donations to support the disaster relief efforts. Contributions include:
- Rs 5 crore each from Yusuffali MA, Dr. Ravi Pillai, TS Kalyanaraman, and Gautam Adani.
- Rs 3 crore from MP Ahammed of the Malabar Group.
- Rs 4 crore from Dr. Azad Moopen of Aster DM Healthcare.
- Telecommunications providers like Jio and Airtel have enhanced their services in the area to ensure better communication.
Conclusion
The Wayanad landslide is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters. As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on providing relief to the affected families and rebuilding the community. The resilience and solidarity shown by local residents, combined with national and international support, offer a glimmer of hope amid this tragedy.
