Wayanad landslides, Kerala disaster: Army rescue landslide victims
A day after the natural calamity, a devastating series of landslides hit Kerala’s picturesque Wayanad district in the early hours on Tuesday. More than 190 people are still missing. The only worse menace in Kerala came last August, fresh from the state’s “flood of the century” a year ago that killed more than 475. The verdant region with its rich cultural tapestry now faces heartaches and chaos as rescue operations continue.
The Heart of the Disaster
The landslides were reported between 1.30 a.m and 4 am Monday, considerably surprising people of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala & Noolpuzha as it was still dark when the mishaps happened while most residents slept. Huge rocks, trees torn out by the roots and tons of water poured off the hills sides to wash away everything in its wake. Rivers in the most affected areas were inundated due to heavy rain over recent days, leading to flash-flooding which only served to compound matters. The river took a catastrophic turn to flood Chooralmala village: the Iruvazhinji River was specifically redirected.
The disaster is inestimably awful functional contrast extremely costly emotionally. Village after village has had to leave its home. One heart-wrenching tale involves the sobs of people somewhere inside their houses, calling for assistance. In the wake of [the] calamity, 45 relief camps have been opened in Wayanad district to accommodate and help over 3000 people who were displaced. In order to effectively plan rescue and relief operations the district administration is compiling data on residents, missing persons, survivors.
Rescue Efforts and Challenges
Facing this disaster, the Army, Navy and NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) have all been pressed into action to carry out rescue operations. The Army said it had rescued nearly 1,000 people who were trapped by the landslides. These images paint a bleak picture of the death and devastation. Despite these challenges, rescue teams have managed to reach many areas that were previously inaccessible because of landslides. Commenting the role of 122 Infantry Battalion of Territorial Army in rescuing people from affected areas, a Defence spokesperson said. Army units are also being flown in from Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru to assist with relief efforts. The priority continues to be on finding people trapped under collapsed buildings with growing fears the number of fatalities might also increase as bodies are pulled from rubble.
Entire ecosystems are disrupted, and the landscapes are forever changed by the environmental impact of landslides. Flooding rivers, forests falling and infrastructure like bridges and power lines collapsing. Subsequent to the landslides, power lines in Chooralmala and Mundakkai reported very serious damages resulting in widespread power outages as per a press release from Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). Recovery efforts have begun, with critical buildings like hospitals being repaired first. The Wayanad Collectorate high-level meeting took several important decisions to aid in the recovery processes. In the control room at Chooralmala, a medical point has been established along with oxygen ambulance. Response: Health teams have been deployed; a temporary bridge is being constructed to improve access and aid distribution. There was word of heroic efforts as the city came together to help its fallen citizens.
The landslides in Wayanad bring into focus the human vulnerability of hill districts such as these during monsoons. An ‘orange alert’, indicating extremely heavy rainfall, has been issued for six districts including Wayanad, Idukki and Malappuram – the officials continue to be on high as there may still hold more than 50 tourists. Efforts to locate missing persons continue as authorities shift their attention toward the welfare of survivors.In the wake of this tragedy, it is evident that a strong sense if community exists as these groups banded together to support one another. The Government and different agencies are busy in providing help, rebuilding infrastructure & making life normal.
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Thane Professor Sentenced to 3 Years for Harassing MBBS Trainees
