
Wayanad: Massive landslides occurred near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday morning, resulting in over 60 confirmed deaths and hundreds feared trapped under the debris. The Kerala State Disaster Management Force (KSDMA), fire brigade, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are on the scene, with additional teams en route.
Despite ongoing relief operations, heavy rains are hampering efforts. Local reports indicate 70 people have been rescued and taken to hospitals. Five bodies have been recovered in the Meppadi Mundakailo area, where hundreds of vehicles were swept away and numerous homes destroyed. Part of Churalmala town was also reported to have been swept away, and Vellarmala school is completely submerged.
The landslides struck Mundakailo at midnight and again at 4 AM, affecting over 400 families. The exact extent of the disaster remains unclear. Revenue Minister K. Rajane stated that rescue operations, including helicopter assistance, are ongoing. Sixteen individuals are currently receiving treatment in a private hospital in Meppadi.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured that government organizations are actively involved in the relief efforts. Among the victims is a child from a Nepali family living in Thondarenad village. The collapse of a bridge has halted traffic to Attamala and Churalma, and evacuations to safer areas are underway.