Kerala Governor Commends Rescue Efforts Amid Landslide Crisis in Wayanad

Rescue operations continue in landslide-hit Wayanad, with Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan highlighting the joint efforts of the central and state governments. The disaster has caused significant casualties and displacement, with 10,000 people living in relief camps. Three individuals were successfully rescued from Soochipara Waterfalls.

As search operations persist in the landslide-affected Wayanad, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan announced on Saturday that not all bodies have been recovered yet, with the focus remaining firmly on rescue and relief efforts. 'We are at a loss of words. This is an hour of crisis, an hour of tragedy. All our focus is on rescue and relief. So far all the bodies have not been recovered. So rescue work is in operation,' Governor Khan stated. He praised the coordination between the central and state governments, adding, 'The Army, Navy, Air Force, Coastal Guards, and NDRF were quick to reach the scene. They built a bridge to access ground zero.'

'10,000 people are currently living in relief camps. Post-emergency, we'll shift our focus to the rehabilitation of these individuals,' he added. Governor Khan also noted that the Prime Minister had swiftly instructed all central government agencies, particularly the defense forces, after learning about the disaster.

In an exemplary display of coordination and bravery, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Indian Army, and Indian Air Force (IAF) rescued three personnel who were stranded at Soochipara Waterfalls in the landslide-hit Wayanad district on Saturday. During a morning combing operation along the river banks from Mundakai to Soochipara, the ICG search team spotted three individuals stranded near the waterfalls and reported their presence to the control center at Mepadi.

A coordinated land and air rescue operation was swiftly launched, involving teams from the ICG, Army, and IAF. The combined efforts of these forces, utilizing both ground and aerial resources, resulted in the safe rescue of all three individuals. The death toll from the massive landslides that hit Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Wayanad on July 30 stands at 308 as of Friday, according to Kerala Health Minister Veena George.

Latest reports indicate that 215 bodies and 143 body parts have been recovered, including 98 males, 87 females, and 30 children. Post-mortem examinations have been conducted on 212 bodies and 140 body parts, with 148 bodies identified by relatives so far. (ANI)