As the search efforts enter their fifth day on Saturday, rescue teams equipped with advanced technology and trained dogs continue their search for survivors or bodies buried under the debris of the devastating Wayanad landslides, one of the worst natural disasters in Kerala’s history.
Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan shared on Facebook that radars are detecting even the slightest movements, providing a glimmer of hope.
Latest Updates on the Wayanad Landslides:
- The death toll from the Wayanad landslides has reached 210, while 187 people have been discharged from hospitals. However, around 300 individuals are still missing, and the chances of finding them alive are diminishing.
- On the fourth day of the crisis, a family of four was rescued from a remote house near Padavetti Kunnu, bringing a ray of hope to the rescuers.
- Approximately 40 rescue teams, supported by cadaver dogs, are working in six zones of the affected areas. The dogs are using their acute sense of smell to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
- Forest officers, led by Kalpetta Range Forest Officer K. Hashis, conducted a daring rescue operation to save four toddlers and their parents from a tribal community, trekking deep into the forest.
- An official reported that a “blue signal,” indicating possible breathing, was detected on the radar during the search in the heavily affected Mundakkai village. However, the search was concluded on Friday evening as rescuers concluded that it was unlikely anyone was alive under the debris.
- The India Meteorological Department has forecasted a generally cloudy sky with occasional rain or thundershowers for Wayanad on Saturday.
- US President, Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden offered their condolences, praising the bravery of Indian service members and first responders. The White House statement read, “We mourn with the families who have lost loved ones and continue to hold the people of India in our thoughts during this difficult time.”
- The Centre has issued a draft notification to designate over 56,800 square kilometers of the Western Ghats, including 13 villages in Wayanad, as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). This move came a day after the landslides claimed over 300 lives in Wayanad.
- The Congress party has accused the Centre of delaying the ESA designation for part of the Western Ghats, claiming this delay contributed to the tragedy in Wayanad.
- Congress General Secretary, Jairam Ramesh has filed a Privilege Motion notice in the Rajya Sabha against Union Home Minister, Amit Shah for his “Early Warning” claims regarding the Wayanad landslide. Ramesh alleged that Shah misled the Rajya Sabha with false statements on early warnings, constituting a breach of privilege and contempt of the house.
