Wayanad landslide; State government cancels Onam celebrations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Government has decided not to conduct Onam celebrations in the state this year in the context of Mundakkai and Chooralmala landslide disasters in Wayanad. The government decided not to celebrate Onam when the state was facing an unprecedented calamity. Minister Muhammad Riyaz informed that the Champions Boat Race League organized by the Tourism Department has also been cancelled.

Meanwhile, the death toll in the Wayanad disaster has crossed 400. 404 people died in the worst landslide disaster in the history of the state. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that a mass search was planned for Friday in Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas where the disaster occurred. The search will also include those staying in relief camps and relatives' houses. Among the victims of the disaster, those who are interested in participating in the search will be brought in vehicles to the places where the houses were situated.

They will be sent to disaster affected areas along with security personnel and search teams. The landslide affected areas have been divided into six. The accident area was searched using all possible means. But a public search is being conducted to see if anything can be found based on the information received from the relatives. Chief Minister also requested everyone to contribute to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund as part of the Wayanad rehabilitation.