At least 43 people have died and hundreds are feared trapped after three landslides hit in India’s Kerala's Wayanad district in four hours amid heavy rain. Multiple agencies, including NDRF, have joined the rescue ops in the hilly areas near Meppadi.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all help to the LDF government. He has also asked BJP chief JP Nadda to ensure that party workers assist in rescue work. The Prime Minister has also spoken to Union Minister Suresh Gopi, BJP's lone Kerala MP, in this connection.
"Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there," the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
The Prime Minister's Office has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed in the calamity. Those injured would be given ₹ 50,000.
Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said all agencies have joined the rescue operation in Wayanad. State ministers will coordinate the rescue ops, he has said in a statement.
Besides the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and NDRF, the Kannur Defence Security Corps are also set to join the rescue operation. The Chief Minister also said two Air Force helicopters will depart for Wayanad shortly to join the ops.
Bd pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
