Wayanad: On Tuesday, Kerala Health Minister Veena George visited the Health Department Directorate to evaluate the emergency response to the severe landslides that hit Meppadi in Wayanad. During her visit, she emphasized the importance of accurately tracking hospital bed availability in the affected regions and suggested setting up temporary hospitals if needed.
Minister George also highlighted the need to enhance mortuary systems, including the use of mobile mortuaries, and reviewed the operations of the 24/7 control room that supports health workers and the public. She called for an assessment of Rapid Action Medical Units and 108 ambulances from other states to ensure their accessibility to remote areas.
Additionally, Minister George stressed the importance of monitoring relief camp operations, ensuring the presence of health workers, and implementing epidemic prevention measures. Senior officials from the Health Department were present during the review. Kerala Minister AK Saseendran confirmed that the landslides have claimed 54 lives so far.
In a related development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to discuss the situation and assured support from the central government. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also reached out to Kerala's Chief Minister, offering condolences and aid. Tamil Nadu has dispatched a rescue team led by two IAS officers, along with Rs 5 crores for relief efforts. The state has also sent 20 firefighters, 20 members from the State Disaster Management Authority, and a medical team.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had previously met with officials from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) to review ongoing relief and rescue operations at Chooralmala.
In addition, the Indian Navy from Ezhimala Naval Base in Kannur is being deployed to assist with rescue efforts at Chooralmala, following a request from CM Vijayan. The Army and Air Force have also been mobilized, although operations have been delayed due to a collapsed bridge in the area.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has directed the Army Chief to deploy forces for rescue operations in the landslide-affected regions, and Army teams have reportedly arrived on-site.
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