Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced on Tuesday that the Air Force will be joining rescue operations in Wayanad following devastating landslides that have claimed 19 lives. The Chief Minister made this statement after a meeting with top officials from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).
Vijayan informed the media that information from the affected regions is still coming in, making it premature to provide detailed updates. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi have both offered their support and assistance,” Vijayan said. “A team of Air Force personnel will be arriving soon to enhance the rescue efforts. We will provide more information as it becomes available.”
The landslides, which occurred around 2 am at Churalpara in Wayanad, have severely impacted the region. Approximately 400 families are currently stranded in the affected areas, which remain cut off due to the disaster. Residents like Noorudhin reported that around 40 people in his area are still waiting for rescue.
In addition to the Air Force, Union Minister of State George Kurian confirmed that the Army, Navy, and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are also mobilizing to assist in the rescue operations. The landslide-affected regions include Velarimala, where significant damage has been reported.
The situation remains critical as rescue teams work tirelessly to reach those in need and provide relief to the impacted communities.