Devastating Landslides Bring Grief to Wayanad District

Heart-wrenching scenes of grief unfolded as families identified and performed last rites for loved ones killed in landslides in Wayanad, leading to over 132 deaths and numerous injuries. With more than 180 people still missing and hundreds feared buried, the death toll is expected to rise.

Heart-wrenching scenes of grief and despair were witnessed as family members identified and performed last rites for their loved ones who perished in landslides in Wayanad district. Over 132 people have died and more than 200 were injured in the tragic incident.

All ages were seen crying inconsolably as they identified the bodies of their loved ones in coffin refrigerators at the Meppadi Family Health Centre and Nilambur Government Hospital, or took one last look at them.

Remains were also seen being buried or cremated closely together. The Wayanad district administration released images showing several bodies being cremated side-by-side in wood and gas-based furnaces.

At Meppadi Juma Masjid, arrangements were made for burials, a mosque committee member affirmed, noting, ''As remains are identified and brought here, they will be buried. Everyone is helping out.''

Over 180 people are missing, and more than 300 houses were completely destroyed in the landslides that struck Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas, according to the district administration.

Of the dead, 75 have been identified, with post-mortems of 123 completed. Numbers of the deceased are expected to rise further as hundreds are feared to be buried under the debris.

Massive landslides triggered by torrential rains have hit Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, claiming several lives, including women and children.