Cars Hanging From Trees, Bodies Washing Ashore: Amidst Devastation Rescue Efforts on at Wayanad

Thiruvananthapuram: In the early hours of July 30, a series of catastrophic landslides struck Wayanad district in Kerala, causing devastation in the region. The initial landslide, triggered by relentless heavy rains, occurred around 3 am in the Mundakkai estates area. This set off a chain reaction, with multiple subsequent landslides engulfing the surrounding regions of Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha. The death toll from the landslides has risen to 150. Emergency responders, who struggled to reach the affected due to  challenging conditions, have resumed rescue efforts this morning.

The aftermath paints a somber picture: roads have collapsed, and a vital bridge has been washed away, rendering these areas inaccessible. Amidst the wreckage, haunting sights of vehicles swept away by floodwaters, hanging from tree trunks, or partially submerged have emerged. Reports say that body parts and even infant remains have been found floating in the floodwaters.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan addressed the media at 5.30 pm yesterday, providing an update on the situation. He announced that 45 relief camps have been set up in the district, accommodating approximately 3,069 displaced individuals. 

Vijayan reported that out of the deceased, 34 bodies have been identified, with 18 already returned to their families. Furthermore, 16 bodies were recovered from the Chaliyar river near Pothukal village, and additional body parts were found during the ongoing search and rescue operations. The Chief Minister also requested the public to refrain from visiting the affected areas, as large crowds could hinder the ongoing relief efforts.

Kerala chief secretary Dr. V. Venu has announced that the state will observe two days of official mourning. During this time, all public celebrations and festive activities will be suspended. 

Distressing scenes

Jayan, a resident of Nilambur, Malappuram and an owner of a small estate at the top of Attamala bordering Harrison Malayalam, where over 700 labourers are currently stranded, cultivates coffee and cardamom. He also runs a homestay named Peace Hill on the property. Last night, Jayan rushed back to Nilambur due to a family health emergency. Before leaving, he asked one of his employees, Rejeesh, who manages the homestay and handles manual labour on the estate, to stay behind while he travelled, providing him with his Maruti 800 for transportation. 

Jayan en route to Meppadi to coordinate relief efforts, explains, “Yesterday night, Rejeesh stopped by at the homestay and then opted to stay at Layam. Sadly, he was one of the first to fall victim to the catastrophic landslides.” Rakhi, another of Jayan’s employees who handled cooking and other chores on the estate, also lost her life in the landslide.

Approximately 26 bodies from the Wayanad landslide were discovered floating in various parts of the Chaliyar River in Malappuram, the neighbouring district, kilometres away from the disaster site. The area was haunted by distressing scenes as bodies missing limbs and heads were found washed up on the shore. Among them was the body of a three-year-old child. The bodies were spotted in the Iruttukuthi, Pothukallu, Panakayam, and Bhoodanam areas of the river. Tribal people living in the Kumbilapara Colony reported that five bodies had washed ashore inside the forest. However, the fire brigade has been unable to access the tribal colony. 

Rescue efforts gather steam

In response to the calamity, the Army and four National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were quickly deployed to the affected areas. The Defence Public Relations Officer revealed that a specialised team of 43 personnel from the 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) MADRAS, under the leadership of their Second-in-Command, has been mobilised to support the rescue operations. “This team is playing a critical role in search and rescue efforts, navigating challenging terrain to reach isolated survivors,” said Shahid, a Meppadi resident who is working with the rescue team. 

Further bolstering rescue efforts, a team from the Indian Navy’s Ezhimala Naval Base in Kannur has been dispatched to the Chooralmala area. Local agencies, including state police and fire services, are also heavily involved in the rescue and relief operations. They are coordinating closely with the Army and NDRF to ensure a comprehensive response to the disaster. 

A special control room has been established at the police headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, now operational 24 hours a day. The public is encouraged to provide information to this control room, which operates under the direct supervision of the state police chief. The contact numbers are 9497900402 and 0471 2721566.

Rescue operations in Wayanad faced significant challenges initially, particularly due to the loss of a vital bridge connecting to the affected areas. This disruption made it difficult for rescue teams to access and assist those in need. However, by evening, the Army constructed an iron bridge, significantly speeding up the relief efforts.

Earlier yesterday, thick fog had prevented helicopters from flying into the region, hindering aerial rescue operations. However, as the weather cleared in the evening, the Indian Air Force was able to deploy helicopters to rescue stranded individuals. “The rescue operations are expected to continue throughout the night as teams work tirelessly to reach everyone affected by the disaster,” said Shihab, a resident who is also closely working with the rescue team. 

Ministers narrowly escape

In the aftermath of the devastating landslide, Muhammad Riyas, the Minister for Public Works and Tourism, O.R. Kelu, the Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes, and K. Rajan, the Minister for Revenue, reached Wayanad to assess the situation on the ground. They were actively involved in coordinating with various agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, and local authorities, to streamline the rescue operations.

Upon their arrival, the ministers narrowly escaped being caught in the fourth cycle of landslide and had to quickly evacuate the area. They then held discussions with local officials, rescue teams, and community leaders to assess the immediate needs and challenges. They also visited relief camps and interacted with the affected families to offer support and reassurance.

Medical attention

Health minister Veena George has issued directives to enhance medical facilities in Wayanad and the nearby districts of Malappuram and Kozhikode. The state health department is deploying additional staff to Wayanad, including medical teams from Kozhikode and Kannur, and specialists from the Surgery and Orthopaedics departments at Thrissur Medical College Hospital. 

Nurses are also being sent to Wayanad hospitals to support the relief efforts. The Minister has called on all health workers on leave to return to duty immediately and assist in the ongoing operations in Wayanad. Kerala Medical Services Corporation Ltd is dispatching extra supplies of drugs, consumables, and medical equipment to the region. Additionally, military doctors from Kannur have arrived to aid in medical response. The Kerala health department has established a control room for emergency assistance and has provided two contact numbers for those in need: 9656938689 and 8086010833.

Stalin extends support

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has approved an immediate assistance of Rs 5 crore for the landslide-hit area of Meppadi in Wayanad. Stalin personally called Kerala CM Vijayan to express his deep sorrow and extend his condolences. He assured Vijayan of Tamil Nadu’s full support and cooperation in response to the disaster. The funds are being allocated from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.

To facilitate relief efforts, Stalin has sent a team of officers led by senior IAS officers K S Sameeran and Johny Tom Varghese to Wayanad. Additionally, a team of 20 rescue workers, led by the joint director of the fire brigade, along with 20 disaster management personnel under the supervision of a Superintendent of Police, has been dispatched. This team includes a medical unit of 10 doctors and nurses. Stalin emphasized that these teams will collaborate closely with Kerala officials to aid in the relief and recovery operations.

In an X post, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah wrote, “Deeply saddened by the catastrophic floods in Wayanad. My heart goes out to the affected families. Karnataka is committed to providing all possible help to Kerala in this challenging time. Let’s stand united and strong.”

Red alert continues

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reassessed the weather conditions in Kerala and issued a red alert for the districts of Wayanad, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod. This alert predicts extremely heavy rainfall, with isolated areas potentially receiving over 204 mm of rain within the next 24 hours.

Such intense rainfall in a short period could lead to flash floods and trigger landslides across Kerala, according to IMD. An orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam, where heavy rainfall between 115 mm and 204 mm is expected. Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam are under a yellow alert.

IMD warns that heavy rainfall over a short duration can pose significant hazards, including flash floods and waterlogging in urban and low-lying areas. Continued precipitation may also increase the risk of landslides. The public and government systems are advised to exercise extreme caution.

Additionally, the Central Water Commission has issued orange and yellow alerts due to dangerously high river water levels in Kerala. Orange alerts are in effect for rivers including Kaliyar in Ernakulam, Keecheri in Thrissur, Pulamthodu in Palakkad, and Kutyadi in Kozhikode, indicating that water levels are nearing warning thresholds and could lead to flooding. Yellow alerts have been issued for the Karamana River in Thiruvananthapuram, Pampa in Pathanamthitta, Thodupuzha in Idukki, Gayathri in Thrissur, and Chaliyar and Kuthirapuzha in Malappuram, indicating a potential for rising water levels.