“Can’t say…” NDRF Commander expresses possibilities of surge in death toll as it reaches 143

Jul 31, 2024

Wayanad (Kerala) July 31 (ANI): The death toll in the Wayanad landslide disaster climbed to 143 as of the wee hours of July 31. The tally is likely to surge as landslides completely washed away Mundakkai, Chooramala areas of Vellarimala on July 30. The horrific visuals at the site show catastrophic scenes with eradicated trees, mangled houses, belongings of deceased. The rescue teams including IAF have swung into action to carry out evacuation operations. The horrific visuals at the site show catastrophic scenes with eradicated trees, mangled houses, belongings of deceased. The rescue teams including IAF have swung into action to carry out evacuation operations. According to Kerala Health Minister Veena George, the postmortem of 116 bodies has been completed. As per IMD, "Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places in Kerala on July 31 and August 1". High-level meeting was held under the leadership of CM Vijayan to coordinate rescue ops in the affected areas. Meanwhile, a two-day mourning is being observed in Kerala for those killed in the deadly landslide. PM Narendra Modi, HM Amit Shah, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and others expressed condolences and offered assistance in the incident. Efforts are underway to locate missing people and relief is being disseminated among those affected; more details will follow.