Global warming devastates Wayanad

New Delhi, Aug 1: Rescue efforts persist with the Army, Navy, and Coast Guards actively searching in the regions of Attamala, Mundakkai, and Churalmala following the catastrophic landslides that struck Wayanad in the early hours of July 30.

The construction of a 190-foot-long bailey bridge is in progress to reconnect the most affected areas, Mundakkai and Churalmala, enhancing the rescue operations’ efficiency and locating the missing people.

The landslides severed critical connections, washing away a key bridge in Mundakkai, and leaving the area isolated.

Harrowing scenes from relief camps and hospitals, as shown on TV footage, depict survivors desperately searching for loved ones or awaiting their news.

The torrential rains in Kerala, one of India’s premier tourist destinations, triggered these devastating landslides, sending torrents of mud, water, and boulders down the hills of Wayanad, burying or sweeping away people as they slept.

Authorities fear an increase in fatalities as rescue teams race against time to locate missing persons amidst the challenging terrain, which has hindered efforts due to the absence of heavy machinery necessary to clear debris and uprooted trees.

Army soldiers are expediting the construction of a metal bridge to link the hardest-hit areas, allowing ambulances and heavy machinery to access the region.

Major General Vinod Mathew told reporters that the temporary bridge was expected to be completed by Thursday evening, marking a significant step forward in the rescue operations.

Despite continuous rescue operations, hopes of finding additional survivors are dwindling.

Media, hospitals, and some officials report that at least 281 people have died, and nearly 200 remain missing after the landslides.

The heavy rains have persistently hampered rescue efforts throughout the week.

With Wayanad remaining on high alert for further rainfall, all schools and colleges are closed.

The district, known for its cardamom plantations and tea estates, is home to many popular tourist spots.

Nearly 1600 people have been rescued, yet many migrant workers from the estates are still unaccounted for.

More than 8000 people have been relocated to 82 relief camps, as per Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is conducting sorties to identify survivors and distribute relief supplies, with Army sniffer dogs deployed to detect individuals trapped under the rubble.

The government has issued warnings for potential flash floods, with more heavy rainfall forecasted. Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Kerala government for not acting on the Centre’s warnings about potential landslides, a claim refuted by CM Vijayan, who said that only an orange alert was issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with rainfall exceeding predictions.

The authorities are now focused on retrieving bodies, with little expectation of finding more survivors.

This disaster is the worst to hit Kerala since the devastating floods of 2018.

Experts attribute the landslides to the heavy rainfall received over the last two weeks, which softened the soil, setting the stage for the landslides triggered by the intense downpour on Monday.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the affected Chooralmala area on Thursday, expressing their condolences and support to the victims.