Malappuram: Kerala Health Minister Veena George sustained minor injuries in a vehicle accident near Manjeri in Malappuram district while en route to Wayanad, where devastating landslides have claimed over 143 lives. The State Health Department and local police confirmed that she is receiving treatment at Manjeri Medical College.
Death Toll in Wayanad Landslides Rises to 148, Dozens Still Missing The death toll from the series of landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district has risen to 148, with dozens of people still missing.
The Wayanad landslides, which struck Chooralmala, have caused significant destruction, damaging homes, roads, and uprooting trees. Rescue operations are ongoing, with several people still injured and trapped.
Tragedy in Wayanad: Massive Landslide Causes Havoc The landslide has severely affected the region, hampering rescue efforts as water bodies swelled and roads were washed away. In response, Kerala is observing a two-day mourning period, with the national flag at half-mast at the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
Union Minister George Kurian visited Wayanad to assess the ongoing relief operations, interacting with senior officials from the NDRF, CRPF, and the Army. He also visited a relief camp in Kalpetta late Tuesday night.
"We rescued injured victims from Mundakkai village yesterday. We fear victims might be trapped in collapsed buildings," said NDRF Commander Akhilesh Kumar. "Till 10 pm last night, we rescued 70 people, but had to stop due to bad weather and rain. Many teams are working, so we cannot give an exact number of deaths."
Response and Relief Efforts Minister Veena George had previously visited the Health Department Directorate to review ongoing relief efforts. She emphasized the importance of tracking hospital bed availability and suggested setting up temporary hospitals if needed. She also stressed the need to evaluate mortuary systems and the use of mobile mortuaries. The control room, operating 24/7, will assist health workers and the public.
Two massive landslides occurred early Tuesday morning, devastating areas of Meppadi Panchayat in Wayanad. The landslides destroyed homes, uprooted trees, and isolated several areas, including Meppadi, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala. The Vellarmala GVH School was completely buried.
Weather Forecast and Further Precautions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Kerala on July 31 and August 1, with strong surface winds reaching speeds of 30-40 km/h and gusts up to 50 km/h. More heavy rainfall is expected on August 2.
Late Tuesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a high-level meeting to expedite rescue operations in Wayanad, discussing ways to enhance efforts through collaboration with various central agencies and forces.
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