Heavy rain in disaster site, rescue workers called back, severe crisis

WAYANAD: Heavy rains are lashing Mundakkai and Punchiri Mattam, the epicenter of the landslide, creating a severe crisis for the rescue operations. The rescue workers have been called back due to the fear of landslides. The rescue mission has been temporarily suspended in Punchiri Mattam. The mission will resume after favorable weather conditions. However, despite heavy rains, the army is proceeding with the construction of the Bailey Bridge. Only after the bridge is completed more machines can be brought to places including Chooralmala to intensify search.

As the rain had stopped and the flow of the river had slowed down this morning, the rescue operations were faster. Even when the rains had subsided, the mud that filled the entire area had created a severe crisis for the rescue operation. Meanwhile, it started raining again.

More bodies were recovered from Mundakkai today during a search conducted with the help of Hitachis. A body was also recovered from the Chaliyar river. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a press meeting that the Army has informed that no one is alive in the landslides that struck Mundakkai and the Chooralmala. The death toll rose to 284.

A machine-assisted search is being carried out to see if more people are trapped among the debris. As more Hitachis were delivered, the search operations have been expedited. Dogs trained to sniff out bodies buried underground are also used in the search. There are reports that the death toll is likely to increase as the search becomes more intense, including at Chooralmala.

Presently 15 Hitachis are engaged in the search operations in Mundakkai. Efforts have also been made to provide more cutting machines and ambulances.