WAYANAD: The magnitude of the Wayanad disaster is increasing with every passing hour. According to a native of Chooralmala, around 250 families lived in Mundakkai and Chooralmala regions where the landslides were reported. The death toll in the landslide has risen to 57 with chances of more casualties.

Ashraf, a resident of Chooralmala, said that the water and soil barged into the house in the dark hours of the night. Ashraf's wife informed him in the middle of the night about the landslides in the village. Mundakkai is completely isolated in the disaster. The bodies of 25 people were found in the rescue operation which took place at 10 am on Tuesday.

“It is informed that many people have been relocated to safer places but we are yet to receive information about the location of relief camps. It is learned that some families have been relocated to a nearby school. However, this school is also in a dilapidated state and we don’t know whether the families are trapped inside.” said Ashraf.

Mundakkai, Attamala and Chooralmala areas were destroyed in the disaster. Rescue operations are in progress with the Navy from Ezhimala also readying moves to reach Wayanad. It is said that most houses in the Mundakkai region have been swept away in the disaster. The rescue operation is presently hindered by the inclement weather.