Death toll touches 42 in Wayanad tragedy; copter for rescue operations detours in Kozhikode, mission extremely difficult

WAYANAD: The death toll in the landslide that struck Meppadi Mundakkai rose to 42. The heavy rains are hampering the rescue operations. The helicopter that left for the rescue operations in Wayanad has detoured in Kozhikode. The death toll is likely to rise. The rescue operators saved a child from a damaged house in Chooralmala. The mission team said the rescue operations continue to be extremely difficult.

Mundekkai and Attamala are completely isolated. Nearly 400 families have been left alone in both areas. More than 100 locals are trapped in Mundakkai Tree Valley Resort. Among those trapped are foreigners.

The landslide struck Mundakkai early Tuesday morning at 2 am. 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 is leaving.

Since Chooralmala bridge which is the only bridge to Mundakkai Attamala area and the main road have been washed away, there is no information from here. Rescuers have not been able to enter the area or evacuate people. At present, 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 to reach the Mundakkai region and across the Chooralpuzha and rescue operations will be carried out.