Wayanad landslides: Amit Shah condoles deaths, says search & rescue ops by NDRF on war footing

New Delhi, July 30: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday condoled the loss of lives due to landslides in Kerala's Wayanad and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

He said that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is conducting search and rescue operations on a war footing.

"Deeply concerned by the incidents of landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. The NDRF is conducting search and rescue operations on a war footing. The second team is on its way to further strengthen the response operation. My condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," Shah said in a post on X.

Kerala health minister Veena George said today that "We have received 24 bodies in different hospitals. Around 70 people are also injured. We have ensured proper treatment of the injured."

"Teams of NDRF and Civil Defence are present there and a team of Navy will also be reaching there soon. A bridge in the area has also washed away," George said.

Massive landslides hit the Meppadi area in Wayanad in the early hours of Tuesday following torrential rains.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed anguish at the loss of precious lives and said that that he is praying for everyone's safety and well-being

"I am deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to a landslide in Wayanad, Kerala. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. Praying for everyone's safety and well-being," Singh said in a post on X.

A total of 225 Army personnel have been deployed for rescue operations a statement said.

The Army received a requisition for providing aid to civil authority on Tuesday morning. In response, the Army has mobilised four columns, including two columns ex 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) and two ex the DSC Centre, Kannur.

"Hundreds of people are suspected to have been trapped. The total strength of the Army deployed so far for the rescue operation is approximately 225 including medical personnel," the statement read.

The defence officials said that the Kerala State Administration has requisitioned rescue Columns of 122 Infantry Battalion (TA) MADRAS in response to the severe landslide in Chooralmala, Wayanad district.

A team under the Second-in-Command along with a Medical Officer, two JCOs and 40 soldiers have mobilised to be deployed to aid in ongoing rescue efforts, they added.

In the wake of the situation in Wayanad, a special control room has been set up by the district administration at the police headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.

The public can provide information to the 24-hour control room. The control room functions under the direct control of the state police chief. Phone numbers - 9497900402, 0471 2721566.

The state police chief has directed the ADGP (law and order) to coordinate the operations. Police personnel from four and five battalions of the Kerala Armed Police and Malabar Special Police are en route to Wayanad. The North Region IG and Kannur DIG have been directed to lead the relief operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased in the landslides.

"The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased in the landslides in parts of Wayanad," PM's office said in a post on X.

The post further said that the injured would be given Rs 50,000.

PM Modi also spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there. Rescue operations are currently underway to assist all those affected, he added.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also expressed anguish over the situation and spoke to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector.

"I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts. I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad," Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan gave directions to coordinate the rescue operations in Wayanad promptly following the devastating landslide. He announced that the entire government machinery is actively involved in the efforts, with Ministers overseeing and coordinating the operations.

As per the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, landslides occurred in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk, at around 3.49 am on Tuesday.

250 members of the Fire and Rescue, Civil Defence, NDRF, and Local Emergency Response Teams are carrying out the rescue operation in Wayanad's Chooralmala. An additional team of NDRF are en route, the KSDMA said.

The State Health Department has opened the district-level control room early in the morning. 8086010833 and 9656938689 can be contacted for emergency health services.

"All hospitals, including Vaithiri, Kalpatta, Meppadi, and Mananthavadi hospitals, are ready. In the night itself, all the health workers had arrived for service. More teams of health workers will be deployed in Wayanad," the Health Minister said.