Wayanad Landslides: ‘Red’ Alert Issued As Heavy Rain Causes Fatalities

On Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a ‘red’ alert for Wayanad due to extreme rainfall. This alert indicates very heavy rain, and it comes as massive landslides hit the hilly areas around Meppadi in Wayanad, resulting in more than 50 deaths.

A ‘red’ alert has also been issued for the neighboring districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur, signaling that these areas are also expecting extremely heavy rainfall.

Additionally, an ‘orange’ alert, which means very heavy rainfall, is in effect for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts today. This alert extends to Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur districts tomorrow.

Landslides in Wayanad

In Wayanad, heavy rains triggered three major landslides, killing over 40 people and leaving many others trapped or missing. So far, around 250 people have been rescued and moved to temporary shelters. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has deployed fire and rescue teams, civil defense personnel, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for rescue operations. Additional NDRF teams and Kannur Defence Security Corps have been sent to help, along with two Air Force helicopters.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office has set up a control room to manage relief and rescue efforts. The Chief Minister has directed all government resources to support the rescue operations in Wayanad, with several ministers actively overseeing the situation.