The landslides struck multiple areas, including Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the disaster as heart-wrenching, noting that entire localities were wiped out. Rescue operations, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, and the Air Force, are underway, with 225 Army personnel and two Air Force helicopters deployed to aid in relief efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced compensation for the victims' families, offering Rs 2 lakh for those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 for the injured. He assured Chief Minister Vijayan of the Centre's full support in managing the crisis.
The continuous downpour and the resulting landslides have left a trail of destruction, uprooting trees, and demolishing houses. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for heavy rain in several districts, urging locals and tourists to exercise extreme caution.
Kerala minister Veena George stated that a team from the Indian Navy would assist in the rescue operations. Efforts have been complicated by the collapse of a bridge that connected the affected areas to the nearest town, Chooralmala, making some regions inaccessible due to large boulders obstructing the path.
Rahul Gandhi, a former Member of Parliament from Wayanad, expressed deep anguish over the disaster and the loss of lives. He urged coordination between all agencies and offered to liaise with Union Ministers for additional support. The Kerala government has declared two days of state mourning in response to the tragedy.
The situation remains dire, with visuals showing submerged vehicles and rescue workers navigating challenging conditions. The authorities have set up a control room and issued helpline numbers for emergency assistance, while several families have been relocated to camps or relatives' homes.
As the rescue and relief operations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and recovery of those affected by this devastating natural disaster.