Wayanad landslides: CM Vijayan directs all Kerala govt events to be postponed

Wayanad (Kerala) [India], July 30 (ANI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ordered postponement of all state government public events scheduled for Tuesday following landslides that hit Wayanad and claimed the lives of at least 24 people.

As per the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, landslides occurred in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk of Wayanad district, at around 3.49 am on July 30.

According to officials, around 70 people have sustained injuries in the massive landslides.

Health Minister Veena George said that the state government is doing everything possible to rescue people.

“We have received 24 bodies in different hospitals. Around 70 people are also injured. We have ensured proper treatment of the injured. Teams of NDRF and Civil Defence are present there; a team of Navy will also be reaching there soon. A bridge in the area has also washed away,” George said.

Officials said that an Army Engineering Group will be urgently deployed to Wayanad for rescue operations and related activities in the landslide-affected area.

The Madras Engineering Group (MEG) from Bangalore will arrive to implement alternative arrangements after the bridge collapse. The decision follows discussions between the Revenue Secretary and Major General VT Mathews, as directed by the Chief Minister, they added.

The Chief Minister has also directed that police drones and the dog Squad be deployed for search and rescue efforts.

A special control room has been setup by the district administration at the police headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. The public can provide information to the 24-hour control room. The control room functions under the direct control of the state police chief. Phone numbers – 9497900402, 0471 2721566.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured in the landslides.

PM Modi also spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also expressed anguish over the situation and spoke to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector.