Catastrophic Landslides Ravage Northern Kozhikode and Wayanad

Massive landslides triggered by heavy rains in Vilangadu, Malayangadu, and Wayanad districts resulted in widespread damage and fatalities. Over 50 people are confirmed dead, and hundreds are feared trapped. Rescue operations are ongoing, with many families relocated to relief camps. Infrastructure, including bridges and roads, has been severely impacted.

Massive landslides triggered by incessant heavy rains struck Vilangadu, Malayangadu, and Wayanad districts in the high ranges of northern Kozhikode on Tuesday. The disaster resulted in the disappearance of a man, the destruction of several houses, and the washing away of infrastructure, including bridges and roads.

A total of over 50 people lost their lives in the landslides in Wayanad, with fears that the fatalities may rise as hundreds are believed to be trapped under the debris. The National Defence Rescue Force (NDRF) has launched extensive search and rescue operations to find the missing individuals, the Kozhikode district authorities reported.

Reportedly, landslides and mudslides also occurred in Maruthongara village and along the Kaithappoyil-Anorammal road. In Malayangadu, a bridge was washed away, isolating 15 families from the main area. Continuous heavy rains have led to the rise in water levels in various rivers, prompting the raising of the Kakkayam Dam shutters and an alert for residents living on the banks of the Kuttiyadi river.

Officials have closed tourist centers and halted quarry and mining operations amid the crisis. Currently, 854 people from 196 families have been relocated to 41 relief camps in the affected district.