As rescue operations in the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad, Kerala, enter the fifth day, rescuers have unearthed more bodies, bringing the death toll to 215. Despite the efforts, around 206 people are still reported missing, adding urgency to the ongoing search.
The rescue operations face significant challenges due to massive boulders and logs deposited in the residential areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala, compounded by waterlogged terrain. In an effort to locate people believed to be trapped beneath the debris, deep search radars are being deployed in the affected areas. The Kerala government has requested advanced radar equipment, including one Xaver radar and four Reeco radars, to be airlifted from Delhi by the Indian Air Force.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the search and rescue operations have entered their final stages. However, identifying bodies and body parts recovered from the Chaliyar River remains challenging.
“Till now, 215 bodies have been recovered, of which 87 are women, 98 are men, and 30 are children. As many as 148 bodies have been handed over so far. There are 206 people missing. Eighty-one people are injured and are under treatment in various hospitals,” said Vijayan.
Regarding rehabilitation efforts, Vijayan announced that a secure region will be identified for constructing a new township. Additionally, the Education Minister will visit the schools destroyed in the region to ensure that the education of affected children continues without interruption.
Celebrity Involvement and Relief Efforts
The day also saw the arrival of Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in the landslide-ravaged areas. As an honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, he oversaw the search and rescue operations. Wearing army fatigues, Mohanlal met with officers at the Army camp in Meppadi before visiting affected areas and interacting with rescue workers and locals.
During his visit, Mohanlal stated, “This is one of the worst natural disasters the country has ever seen,” and thanked everyone involved in the search and rescue efforts. The actor’s Viswasanthi Foundation has pledged ₹3 crore for rehabilitation works in the disaster-hit region.
Actor-director and retired army officer Major Ravi, accompanying Mohanlal, promised to rebuild the Mundakkai LP school, which was destroyed by the landslides.
Political Tensions Over Donations
Meanwhile, a controversy erupted within the Congress party over donations to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF). Senior party leader Ramesh Chennithala announced he would donate one month’s salary, drawing criticism from KPCC chief K Sudhakaran. Sudhakaran expressed displeasure, stating there was no directive to contribute to government-managed funds and that Chennithala should have donated to Congress’s relief efforts instead.
Despite online smear campaigns against donating to the CMDRF, many individuals, from tea stall owners to children, continue to contribute their earnings and pocket money to support those affected by the landslides. Police have registered 39 FIRs related to the smear campaigns and have issued notices to remove 279 social media accounts involved in discouraging donations.
