Wayanad landslides: Death toll crosses 100, many still feared trapped in debris

In one of the most catastrophic natural disasters to hit the Indian state of Kerala, landslides in the Wayanad district swept away homes, villages, killed over 100 people, while hundreds remain trapped under debris, heightening fears of increasing fatalities.

Heavy rains triggered multiple landslides in Wayanad district, which took the lives of 108  people on Tuesday (July 30) morning. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urged the Indian government to provide support, medical care and compensate the family of the deceased.

"Earlier this morning, Wayanad was hit by several devastating landslides. More than 70 people have been killed… I have spoken to the Honourable Defence Minister and the Chief Minister of Kerala. I request the Union government to extend all possible support for rescue and medical care, and immediate release of the compensation to those deceased. That compensation can be increased as well… and prepare a roadmap for the rehabilitation of the affected families,” Gandhi said, addressing the Lok Sabha.

Watch | Wayanad landslides: Hundreds suspected to be trapped, over 70 rescued; Army & NDRF deployed for ops

“… Landslides loom over many areas in Wayanad and the Western Ghats. Our country has witnessed an alarming rise in landslides in the last few years. There is an urgent need for mapping of landslide-prone areas, and to take up mitigation measures and an action plan to address the growing frequency of natural calamities in the ecologically fragile regions,” he continued.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will likely visit Wayanad soon to observe the situation, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal told ANI.

Wayanad landslides: Death toll rises to 108

As per the Kerala Revenue Minister's office, the death toll in the Wayanad landslide has risen to 108, and a total of 128 injuries have been reported, so far, with many more feared trapped under mud and debris.

According to officials, nearly 350 families reside in the affected region and 250 people have been rescued. Kerala government has declared official mourning in the state on Tuesday and Wednesday (July 31).

Also read: Five Kashmiri pandit houses gutted in Anantnag, community alleges sabotage

"Wayanad landslide: Indian Army column reached the landslide site at Chooralmala by 1200 hours. Using ropes, soldiers are being ferried across the river which is in spate to assist and carry out rescue efforts in Ward No 10 of Chooralmala," Indian Army officials said.

'This is a tragedy of not just Kerala alone': JP Nadda

“I would like to say this is a tragedy of not just Kerala alone, but the entire nation is concerned… Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, The government of India is working proactively and doing everything necessary for the relief work in Kerala,” Union Minister JP Nadda said.

“On behalf of the government, I assure you that whatever is needed will be done…The PM spoke with the Kerala CM and gave him assurance. Support from central agencies for relief has reached there. Work is being done in coordination with the state government. Right now, the primary concern lies in recovering the bodies and save those who can be saved… We should activate the Emergency Response System,” he said in the Upper House of the Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha).

Rahul Gandhi won from Wayanad in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections but resigned to keep Rae Bareli, a family bastion. Wayanad is lauded as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in South India for its tea and cardamom estates. 

(With inputs from agencies)