Many lives were destroyed in the flood after heavy rains in Wayanad, Kerala. Many villages were destroyed in the landslide that occurred late on Monday night. The flood also swept away roads and bridges. So far more than 50 people have died and many are missing. The NDRF team is present on the spot, relief and rescue operations are on. A statement was issued by the local administration stating that after heavy rains, 3 major landslides occurred between 2 am and 6 am. A part of Choorlamala city was completely destroyed after the landslide.

Scene of devastation everywhere
Disturbing scenes of destroyed houses, overflowing rivers and uprooted trees were seen after the landslide in villages located at higher altitudes in Wayanad. The villages of Mundakkai, Choorlamala, Attmala and Noolpuzha, famous for their picturesque views till a day ago, have now changed their picture after being hit by landslides and have lost contact with other parts. Vehicles swept away by floodwaters can be seen stuck in tree branches and submerged here and there at many places. Swelling rivers have changed their course and are flowing into residential areas, causing further destruction.

Relief and rescue operations continue

Huge boulders rolling down the hills are obstructing the way of rescue workers. People engaged in rescue operations can be seen carrying dead bodies and injured to ambulances amid heavy rains. Due to the landslide incidents, trees have been uprooted on a large scale and floodwater has destroyed green areas. Authorities said that eight people, including three children, have died due to landslides in Wayanad district.

Three landslides one after the other

According to the report, Wayanad has been receiving heavy rainfall since Monday. The continuous heavy rains caused the landslides. According to local media reports, the first landslide occurred in Mundakkai town around 1 am on Monday night during heavy rains. After this, the rescue operation started and then the second landslide occurred near Choorlamala School at 4 am. After this, the third landslide occurred before morning.

The Meteorological Department issued a 'red alert'

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red alert' of extremely heavy rains for Wayanad district of Kerala and neighboring Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur districts, which have been hit by landslides due to torrential rains. The IMD has issued a 'red alert' for four districts including Wayanad, while an 'orange alert' has been issued for all other districts of the state except Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. 'Red Alert' indicates the possibility of heavy to extremely heavy rain of more than 20 cm in 24 hours. At the same time, 'Orange Alert' means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm. 'Yellow Alert' means very heavy rain between six cm to 11 cm.

PM Modi spoke to Vijayan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of all possible help from the Center to deal with the crisis. Prime Minister Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each person killed in the accident and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

PM Modi tweeted, 'I am saddened by the news of landslides in some places in Wayanad. My condolences are with all those who have lost their loved ones and I pray for the speedy recovery of those who are injured. Rescue operations are underway to help the affected people. Spoke to Kerala Chief Minister P Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Center in view of the situation arising there.