Wayanad tragedy: 36 people identified in DNA test

KALPETTA: District Collector DR Meghasree has informed that 36 more people who died in landslides in the Chooralmala and Mundakkai area of ​​Meppadi Panchayat on July 30 have been identified through DNA tests. A total of 73 samples, including 17 corpses and 56 body parts, matched DNA samples collected from blood relatives. The DNA examination confirmed that more than one body part of the same people was found. The DNA test was conducted at the Kannur Forensic Science Laboratory.

Following the landslide disaster, the government had issued an order regarding the protocol to be followed for disposing of unclaimed bodies and body parts and collecting samples for DNA testing. The procedures were completed based on this. Dead bodies and body parts without heirs were buried with special identification numbers. As 36 missing persons have been identified on the basis of DNA results, their addresses and other details have been accurately collected.

Dead bodies will be released

If the claimants apply to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mananthavadi Sub-Collector (Phone 04935 - 240222) to get the dead bodies and body parts identified through DNA testing, they can be exhumed and handed over. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate has been authorised to do so. The SDM can also issue necessary orders regarding the physical objects recovered from the body. Relatives who wish that the bodies and body parts should remain in the currently buried area will be provided with the necessary facility for the same. The district collector's order also said that relatives will be allowed to put up identification marks with the name and other details of the deceased.

86 people are yet to be found

MEPPADI: There were 119 people left to be found in the Mundakkai landslide disaster. Of these, 36 people have been identified. A month after the disaster, 86 people have not been found. It is alleged that the search for children, even when they are missing, is not fast enough. The second phase of the search did begin but stalled within a day. A search was conducted in the Soochipara forest last Sunday. Five body parts were recovered from there. The demand to resume the search is strong. The government still does not have a clear estimate of how many people have been affected by the disaster.