Kerala Government Takes Action Amidst Landslide Crisis

The Kerala government is conducting DNA tests to identify individuals missing after a landslide in the Mundakkai region of Wayanad. Blood samples from survivors and relatives are compared to those from unidentified bodies. To date, 221 bodies and 166 body parts have been recovered, with search operations continuing along the Chaliyar river.

The Kerala government has taken steps to identify the missing people in the landslide that hit the Mundakkai region of Wayanad. Blood samples from survivors and relatives are being collected for DNA analysis to identify the deceased.

The health department is spearheading the blood sample collection for DNA testing, while the Civil Supplies Department is gathering details such as ration cards, Aadhaar numbers, and phone numbers. These samples will be used to identify the dead bodies and body parts yet to be identified.

In the initial phase, DNA samples from unidentified bodies were collected. These will be compared with samples from survivors and relatives, according to a health department release.

Counseling is provided to survivors and relatives before sample collection. The Civil Supplies Department has also provided information to panchayat officials to help identify the missing persons.

State Revenue Minister K Rajan disclosed that 221 bodies and 166 body parts have been recovered. The number of missing persons has dropped to 180 from 206 after authorities contacted some over the phone.

Search operations continue along the Chaliyar river, which flows through Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode. The river has become a grim symbol of destruction, with 75 bodies and 142 body parts found along its banks, officials reported.

(With inputs from agencies.)