Wayanad Landslide Survivors Recount Harrowing Experiences Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Survivors of the Wayanad landslide share their traumatic experiences after being moved to relief camps. Doctor Hasna reports stress-related health issues among victims as rescue operations continue. Political tensions rise in Parliament over caste remarks.

Survivors of the Wayanad landslide have been relocated to various relief camps throughout the district. At one such camp, Sarojini, a resident of Chooranmala, recounted the night of the landslide when she was trapped alone. 'I couldn't open the door as it was jammed. I yelled for help, and people eventually broke the door with an axe to rescue me,' she said.

Sarojini's home was destroyed in a subsequent landslide, leaving her without a home, land, or livelihood. 'I don't know what to do,' she admitted, adding that her relatives in Mundakkai were not as fortunate. The death toll from the landslides has risen to 158, according to the State Revenue Department.

Doctor Hasna, attending to survivors, reported numerous cases of stress-induced ailments such as headaches and high blood pressure. 'We are providing medications, but further treatment will have to wait until they recover from the shock,' she stated. Relief efforts continue, with essential items being collected for the victims at a camp in Meppadi.

Brigadier Arjun Seagan of the Para Regimental Training Centre said that approximately 500 to 600 personnel from the NDRF, army, state police, forest officials, and volunteers are engaged in ongoing rescue operations. The Indian Army, escalating its efforts, has successfully evacuated over 1,000 people despite adverse conditions.

Massive landslides struck Wayanad on Tuesday morning, causing widespread destruction and isolating several areas. Relief and rescue efforts are in full swing, with operations hampered by damaged roads and adverse weather conditions.

In political news, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi defended BJP MP Anurag Thakur's remarks on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stating that Thakur did not mention anyone by name. This sparked a heated debate in Parliament, with accusations of caste-based politics flying across the aisle.