India – Landslide Hits Kerala’s Wayanad; Several lives lost, Hundreds feared trapped

31 July 2024

(ANS – Bangalore) – Massive landslides wreaked havoc in the Wayanad district of Kerala leaving at least 84 people, including children dead and leaving several families missing. According to reports, the Mundakkai town was completely swept away by the landslide. Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages were the other areas hit and cut off by the landslides. 

The landslides occurred during the early hours of Tuesday washing away houses and families. It left a trail of destruction, with several houses destroyed, water bodies swollen, and trees uprooted, hampering rescue operations.

Swollen water bodies changed their course and flowed through inhabited areas, resulting in more destruction. Huge boulders rolled down the hills and hindered the path of rescue workers.

According to media reports, several bodies swept away by the gushing water were recovered, several kilometres away, from the Chaliyar River in Malappuram. The bodies of the deceased are being taken to various hospital morgues for identification and autopsy.

The Indian Army, including four columns from 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) and DSC Centre, Kannur, along with two Indian Air Force helicopters, have been mobilized for rescue operations. However, rescue efforts are challenged by the adverse climate and the lack of internet connectivity in the area.

In response to the disaster, the Salesian Province of Bangalore’s Development Office (PDO) BREADS and two local institutions are providing immediate relief, and long-term rehabilitation efforts are being planned to aid the affected communities.

To support the initiative of the Bangalore Province kindly contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Bastin Nellissery

Source: Don Bosco South Asia

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