Heavy rain, landslides cause over 300 deaths in Wayanad, 15 in Uttarakhand; 47 people missing in Himachal

New Delhi [India], August 3 (ANI): Owing to heavy rain, multiple cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides have hit several states of the country including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Kerala during the last few days.

Over 300 people have lost their lives in Kerala, 15 in Uttarakhand. And 47 people are missing in Himachal Pradesh following natural disasters that occurred due to heavy rain.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday thanked Army personnel, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district administration, and every generous volunteer who has been continuously helping in rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts following the massive landslides in Wayanad.

The Congress leader expressed his gratitude to the Kalpetta Range Forest Officers who risked their lives, undertaking a tireless 8-hour operation to successfully rescue a family in distress.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Kalpetta Range Forest officers who risked their lives traversing through difficult terrain amidst heavy downpours, undertaking a tireless 8-hour operation to successfully rescue a family in distress,” he posted on X.

“I also wholeheartedly thank the Army personnel, NDRF, SDRF, district administration in Wayanad, panchayat members, workers across party lines, and every generous volunteer who has been continuously helping in rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts. In these tough times, your selfless service, commitment, and unity will help us overcome this crisis and emerge stronger,” the Congress leader added.

The death toll in the massive landslides that occurred on July 30 in Chooralmala and Mundakkai of Wayanad stands at 308 as of Friday, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said.

As per the latest update, 215 bodies and 143 body parts were recovered, including 98 males, 87 females, and 30 children. The post-mortem procedures were completed on 212 bodies and 140 body parts and 148 bodies have been identified by relatives so far.

Meanwhile, after 15 people lost their lives in the cloudburst and landslides along the Kedarnath Yatra route, teams from the Indian Air Force joined the rescue and relief operations with the NDRF, and the SDRF, for the stranded pilgrims.

NDRF and SDRF personnel rescued more than 1500 pilgrims and locals from the affected areas on Saturday.

On the other side, the Animal Husbandry Department of Rudraprayag is sending animal feed in helicopters for the mules and horses who were struck after the landslide in the valley.

Dr Ashish Rawat, Chief Veterinary Officer of Rudraprayag, told ANI, “Due to the disaster on the Kedarnath route, there was a lot of damage mainly on the Sonprayag-Gaurikund route and due to the blockage in transportation, movement of goods from Sonprayag to Gaurikund has stopped.”

“Since most of the mules and horses take shelter in Gaurikund and are still present there, there is a possibility of a food shortage for them in the future, because of which we are supplying animal feed through helicopters from here to Chirbasa Helipad,” he added.

He added, “After this, horse and mule owners can go there and get animal feed for their animals. Our temporary veterinary hospital is working in Gaurikund. If any kind of veterinary treatment is required, our team is present there.”

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said on Saturday that a total of 9,099 people stranded in different areas along the Kedarnath Yatra route have been rescued till now.

A total of 7234 passengers have been rescued as of August 2. At the same time, on August 3, 1865, passengers were rescued and taken to safe places. A total of 9099 passengers have been rescued as of August 3.

Meanwhile, several roads are damaged in the wake of cloud bursts and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh.

191 roads including 3 National Highways are closed due to landslides and rain, a total of 294 Electricity Supply schemes are disrupted and nearly 120 water supply schemes are hampered in the state.

47 people are still missing in various parts of the state including 36 missing in the Samej area in the Rampur region of Shimla district. Rescue and search operations are continued in the region.

The Indian Army has also launched extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations to aid the affected communities in Himachal Pradesh’s Samej village.

The state government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has mobilized extensive rescue and relief efforts. The disaster, triggered by a cloud burst, has left a trail of destruction in its wake, particularly affecting regions around Manali.

Amidst the ongoing operation, Chief Minister Sukhu urged tourists to exercise caution.

“While tourists are welcome, I urge them to refrain from visiting risky areas such as rivers and waterfalls for photography and selfies,” he cautioned, stressing the importance of safety during this critical period.