Eighth day of search operations in Wayanad; Unofficial death toll exceeds 400

KALPATTA: Search operations continue for the eighth day in Mundakkai, Wayanad, following a devastating landslide. Unofficial estimates put the death toll at over 400, though official figures have yet to be released. About 200 people remain unaccounted for. Today, a search will be conducted in the previously unexplored Sunrise Valley area of Soochipara, with the mission team being airlifted by an Air Force helicopter.

In Puthumala, the bodies of unidentified landslide victims were cremated. A total of 27 bodies and 154 body parts, ranging from small children to the elderly, were given a mass burial yesterday. The funerals were held in different stages throughout the afternoon, with the rites of 52 people completed by 9 PM.

The ceremonies included Christian, Hindu and Islamic rituals, allowing for the possibility of additional rites if relatives identify the bodies through scientific examination.

Finance Minister K N Balagopal stated yesterday that search operations are continuing vigorously. He assured that the necessary land, houses and infrastructure for rehabilitation will be done as soon as possible.