THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There seems to be no respite for Kerala from natural calamities. Hardly has the State recovered from the serious situation caused by reports of outbreak of Nipah virus in Kozhikode district when it has been devastated by another disaster..
The latest tragedy to strike the hapless State is massive landslides in Wayanad district, killing over 45 people so far and leaving more than 70 people injured. And the death toll is rising. As many as 18 bodies are in Meppadi taluk hospital and 6 bodies with private hospitals. More than 100 people have been trapped under the rubble of the debris triggered by the killer landslides. Early reports say that nearly 400 families have been stranded in various hilly areas of the district. The areas hit the hardest are Mundakkai, Attamala, Noolpuzha and Churulamala.
Rescue operations have started in full swing. But heavy rains and inclement weather are rendering these operations extremely difficult. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is supervising these operations undertaken by the NDRF and other organisations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi rang up the Kerala Chief Minister and offered all help to tackle the situation. PM has sanctioned an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh for the next of kin of the dead and Rs 50,000 for the injured. In his message, the Prime Minister said his thoughts are with the families which have lost their members and prayers with the injured.
Apart from the NDRF, units of the Army and Air Force have also left for Wayanad. Over 250 members of the defence force stationed in Kannur district have been rushed to Wayanad. In another prompt move, the State Government has also despatched a 13-member Fire force team also to the affected areas.
What is causing utmost concern is the situation in the four areas: Mundakkai, Attamala, Noolpuzha and Churulamala. More than 400 families stranded in these areas are crying for help. Consequently, plans are afoot to airlift the trapped people. These areas have been stranded following the collapse of the single bridge connecting the areas with other parts of Wayanad district. A special dog squad adept in locating under the slush and debris has also been rushed to the affected areas. The Health Department has opened a control room to coordinate relief activities.
Television coverage showed heart-rending from the affected areas. For instance, a rescue team is trying frantically to save a man trapped in the slush. They have not been successful so far because of the heavy rain pounding the area. Bodies floating in the waters presented a frightful sight. There are also reports that bodies, washed away by the floods triggered by the heavy rains and landslides have been found in far-off places in Malappuram district, providing a glimpse into the magnitude of the task on hand and the enormity of the tragedy.
The killer landslides were caused by incessant rains which have been battering Wayanad district in particular and other states in North Kerala in general during the last three days. As a result, yellow alert has been sounded in eight districts in the State.
In a heart-warming feature, all parties cutting across political barriers are extending full support to the State Government’s efforts to do everything to minimise the impact of the terrible tragedy which has traumatised the State. Five ministers have been despatched to Wayanad. Besides, the leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan, reports say, has also left the district. Union Ministers of State George Kurien and Suresh Gopi have also identified themselves with the sentiments expressed by the Prime Minister and offered all assistance from the Centre. (IPA Service)
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