Search for missing Wayanad victims intensifies amid challenging weather conditions

The search for people missing due to the recent landslides in Meppadi panchayat of Wayanad is still going on. The operation, involving the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, dog squads, forest department, and Navy, began early in the morning on Aug 6.

A specialized operation is planned for the remote area between Soochippara and Pothukallu, with a 12-member team from the Army and forest department being deployed via helicopter in two groups.

The mission has faced delays due to poor weather conditions. If any bodies are discovered, they will be airlifted for retrieval. Approximately 180 people are still missing from the Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas of Kerala.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajithkumar said that some local volunteers had been stranded in hard-to-reach areas along the Chaliyar River and had to be rescued recently.

"So, we decided to avoid local volunteers and create two teams of police Special Operations Group (SOG) and army commandos who will be airdropped into those areas," Ajithkumar said.

He also mentioned that the search is nearing completion, focusing on areas where the mud depth is about 50 meters, which makes it impossible for both personnel and heavy machinery to operate effectively.

District Collector Meghashree D.R. said that the search operations will now concentrate on the river areas near the school, the village, and downstream locations. Intensive efforts are ongoing.

Revenue Minister K. Rajan said that a comprehensive list of missing persons will be compiled with the assistance of local bodies and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers. The search mission has mobilized 1,174 personnel from various forces, supported by 913 volunteers and local residents.

The district authorities are beginning to assess the damage caused by the landslides. The Public Works Department will evaluate the destroyed buildings and identify which structures need to be demolished.

The Kerala government announced plans to implement a comprehensive rehabilitation package for those affected by the Wayanad landslides on Aug 5.

This package will include acquiring land, constructing new homes, and establishing necessary infrastructure for the displaced.

Finance Minister of Kerala, K.N. Balagopal, following his visit to the landslide-stricken Chooralmala, said that numerous offers of assistance from around the world have been received to support the rehabilitation efforts.

"The government will implement a comprehensive package for the rehabilitation of people affected by the disaster. At present, the state government is giving top priority to the mental well-being of the disaster-hit people housed in relief camps,” Balagopal said.

He emphasized that the search and rescue operations will persist with vigor until all missing persons are found.