Kerala landslides update: Death toll rises to 123, rescue operations underway in Wayanad

Due to heavy rains in Kerala's Wayanad, a series of large landslides in the mountainous parts early Tuesday, July 30. 

The incident killed atleast 123 persons were killed and 128 injured in massive landslides and raising fears of a spike in deaths owing to hundreds of others believed trapped under the rubble, Kerala Minister AK Saseendran confirmed

The bodies of the deceased are being taken to various hospital morgues for identification and autopsy.

Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages were among the areas affected and cut off by the landslides, authorities said.

IMD has issued red alerts in eight districts of Kerala.

Indian Navy team from Ezhimala Base for assistance

For the rescue assistance, an Indian Navy team from the Ezhimala Naval Base in Kannur is being sent to the district in Kerala at Chooralmala that was hit by landslides on Tuesday morning, following torrential rains.

In the rescue operations, around 250 people of the Fire and Rescue, Civil Defence, National Disaster Response Force, and Local Emergency Response Teams are involved. According to authorities, an extra NDRF team has been dispatched to the scene immediately.

Two Air Force helicopters departed for Wayand from Sulur in Tamil Nadu in the morning.

Additionally, 67 Defence Security Corps (DSC) personnel, led by six officers, left for Wayanad from Kannur in two KSRTC buses with an ambulance and two truck loads of equipment, authorities said.

Indian Air Force deploys two choppers for rescue operations

Indian Air Force deployed two choppers- a Mi-17 and one ALH Dhruv- for rescue and relief operations in Wayanad in coordination with the state government and National Disaster Relief Force, IAF officials said on Tuesday.

The choppers have been sent from the Sulur air base in Coimbatore from the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu CM announces Rs 5 crore aid to Kerala

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday announced an aid of Rs 5 crore from the CM's Public Relief Fund to the Kerala government where a landslide disaster has claimed many lives and several are reported missing.

CM Stalin in a post on X said, "Deeply pained to learn about the massive landslides in Wayanad and the consequent loss of priceless lives. I am given to understand that many people are still trapped in the area. I am sure that the rescue operations that are in full swing will save them all. The government of Tamil Nadu is willing to extend any logistical or manpower support that may be needed in this hour of crisis for our brethren state Kerala.”

Kerala govt announces 2-day mourning

The Kerala government has declared official mourning in the state on Tuesday.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced a statewide mourning for two days- today and tomorrow after over 80 people lost their lives in a landslide incident in Wayanad.

With agency inputs