District authorities in Kerala’s landslide-struck Wayanad on July 31 started collecting data to determine the number of people missing
Kerala Given Early Warning About Landslides, Potential Deaths: Amit Shah
District authorities in Kerala’s landslide-struck Wayanad on July 31 started collecting data to determine the number of people missing following the massive tragedy, as rescue operations resumed to trace persons suspected to be trapped. Helicopters will be used to airlift injured persons from the affected areas. Members of several families have reported that their loved ones remain untraced.
In Wayanad, 45 relief camps have been established, accommodating 3,069 people. Meanwhile, various rescue agencies resumed their operations early in the morning to trace people suspected to be trapped in the tragedy, which has killed at least 150 people and left 197 injured.
Union Minister Amit Shah today claimed in Parliament that the Kerala government was on July 23 given early warning over potential landslides. Over 150 people died and 200 were injured after devastating landslides hit Wayanad district on Tuesday. Rescue operations are underway for 180 others who are missing. “Nine NDRF teams were sent in Kerala in advance. The Kerala government did not evacuate people in time,” Amit Shah said in Rajya Sabha.
The Army and the Air Force are also engaged in rescue efforts. Two columns of army personnel and two IAF helicopters have been deployed. Additionally NDRF, SDRF and a dog squad are assisting rescue operations. The Kerala Government has declared a state of mourning on July 30 and 31. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 as compensation for the injured.
The Kerala Government has opened two control rooms to attend to distress calls from citizens ( 9656938689 and 8086010833).
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on July 31 announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh to the families of Kannadigas who died in landslides in neighbouring Kerala.
“The death toll in Wayanad landslide continues to rise. This is a very deadly tragedy, the fact that Kannadigas lost their lives in this tragedy made it even more painful,” the CM said in a post on ‘X’.
