Heavy rains impede rescue operations in Wayanad; Army's Bailey bridge collapses

KALPETTA: Heavy rains are impeding rescue operations in the disaster-stricken land of Mundakkai in Wayanad. The rescue operation in Chooralmala suffered a setback after the water level rose in Kannadipuzha creating a landslide-like situation on the premises.

Meanwhile, a temporary bridge built by the army collapsed and went under the water on Wednesday. The rescue operations are now temporarily halted while it is reported that people including rescue workers have been shifted from the place. The construction of bailey bridge constructed by the army is undergoing repair work.

So far, 222 bodies have been found in the disaster while 225 people are reportedly missing. On Wednesday, 10 dead bodies were found near the Meppadi MHC and are currently kept in the Meppadi government higher secondary school. The dead bodies will be handed over after identification by relatives and locals. 90 people who survived the disaster are undergoing treatment in various hospitals. 11 of them are still in ICU.

In a meeting called by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to review the disaster, it was painfully accepted that the village of Mundakkai had been erased leaving no trace of human settlement. The review meeting also assessed that more equipment should be provided to find people trapped in the landslides.