Two days after devastating landslides struck Wayanad in Kerala, resulting in over 250 deaths, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released satellite images showcasing the extensive damage.
The landslides, which occurred on Tuesday, led to at least 256 fatalities and left 206 people missing. The Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local emergency response teams have launched a large-scale search and rescue mission to locate those feared trapped in the disaster.
The National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC) in Hyderabad deployed ISRO’s advanced Cartosat-3 optical satellite and the RISAT satellite to capture the scope of the destruction caused by the landslides in Wayanad.
The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, started at an elevation of 1,550 meters. According to the NRSC report, the situation worsened due to a significant debris flow caused by torrential rains around Chooralmala town. The landslide covered an area of 86,000 square meters.
The satellite images show the before and after effects of the landslide, revealing that the debris flow widened the river’s course, causing substantial damage to houses and infrastructure along the banks. A 3D model of the landslide crown shows that a large portion of the hill slope has been affected. The satellite data also indicates an old landslide at the same location, underscoring the area’s susceptibility to such events.
Rescue teams resumed their efforts on Thursday in various parts of Wayanad. Kerala Minister K Rajan stated that over 1600 personnel are involved in the rescue operations. “This day is very important, more than 1600 forces are involved in the rescue operations. Social workers are also involved… CM arrived at Kalpetta around 9:30 am and at 10:30 am there will be a meeting with officials… he will visit this spot after that,” he said.