Roads and bridges collapse; Rescuers cannot enter Mundakkai, army leaves for Wayanad

WAYANAD: The death toll in the landslide at Mundakkai in Meppadi has touched 24. Nearly 10 bodies washed away have been recovered from the Chaliyar River. The death toll is likely to rise again. Five ministers will reach Wayanad to coordinate the rescue operations. A 190-member army team has left for Wayanad. A company from Territorial Army Kozhikode 122 Battalion will leave soon. A group of 50 people will be leaving.

As the Chooralmala Bridge, the only bridge to the Mundakkai Attamala area, and the main road have been destroyed, there is no information available from here. The rescuers have not been able to enter the area or evacuate people. Presently, a 250-member NDRF team is carrying out rescue operations in the area beyond the Chooral river.
After the army reaches Chooralmala, a temporary bridge will be built and rescue operations will be carried out to reach the Mundakkai region and across the Chooralpuzha. Rescue operations are only possible by air. Presently, the rescue mission is in crisis.

As it is difficult to carry out rescue operations through the raging river, efforts have been started to bring the helicopter immediately. As part of this, two Air Force helicopters will reach Wayanad from Sulur shortly to check the possibility of airlift. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall is continuing in the area. Due to inclement weather, helicopters may be limited in operation.

Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi call CM
The Prime Minister spoke to the chief minister on phone to assess the situation. The central government has offered full assistance. An amount of Rs 2 lakh will be given to the families of those dead in the landslide and Rs 50,000 to the injured from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.

Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi spoke to the chief minister and Wayanad District Collector. In a message on X, Rahul Gandhi said that he will talk to the union ministers for immediate intervention in Wayanad and that the UDF workers should be involved in the rescue operation.

K C Venugopal MP said that he will raise the issue of landslides in Wayanad in Parliament and seek central assistance. He said that a notice has been given for an adjournment motion to adjourn the House and discuss the matter. In the Rajya Sabha, Santhosh Kumar MP also gave notice for an adjournment motion.