Kerala Governor Mourns Landslide Victims, Commends Quick Response

Kerala's Governor Arif Mohammed Khan expressed deep sorrow for families affected by deadly landslides. He praised the swift response of local authorities and armed forces. The governor visited hospitals and appealed for nationwide support. Over 1200 rescue workers continue search and rescue operations in Wayanad, where 160 people have been confirmed dead.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan expressed profound sympathy for families who lost loved ones in the deadly landslides caused by heavy monsoon rains in the southern state. 'My heart goes out to the families; what a colossal tragedy. Not only people here, but the whole state and the whole country are feeling very sad. The positive thing is that the district administration, Superintendent of Police, and others reached the site in less than two hours. Our armed forces took no time to reach the site,' Khan told ANI.

Earlier, Governor Khan visited WIMS hospital and Dr Mooppens Medical College, interacting with the relatives of the injured. Health Minister Veena George accompanied him during the visit.

In a statement, Raj Bhavan noted that Governor Khan appealed to people nationwide for assistance for the landslide-affected residents of Wayanad. He also visited Chooral Mala in Wayanad, where joint rescue and relief operations by the Indian Army, NDRF, Fire and Rescue Force, Kerala Police, and volunteers are ongoing.

According to the Kerala Revenue Department, the death toll has risen to 160 following the Wednesday visits. Search and rescue efforts are still in progress at the primarily affected areas of Chooralmala in Wayanad. Around 1200 rescue workers, including personnel from the Indian Army, DSC centre, Territorial Army, NDRF, Indian Navy, and IAF, are actively engaged. Brigadier Arjun Seagan from the Para Regimental Training Centre mentioned that 500 to 600 volunteers and officers are working tirelessly on rescue operations.

Two significant landslides struck Kerala's Wayanad on Tuesday morning, causing widespread devastation. The first occurred in Mundakkai at 2 am, and the second in Chooralmala at 4:10 am, resulting in severe damage to homes, roads, and uprooting trees. Water bodies swelled, complicating rescue efforts. Relief operations are currently underway, with many areas, including Meppadi, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala, isolated and roads washed away. The Vellarmala GVH School was completely buried.