Calamity in Wayanad: Rescue Efforts Stalled by Lack of Heavy Machinery

Search operations in Wayanad's Mundakkai, ravaged by landslides, are hampered due to a lack of heavy machinery needed to clear uprooted trees and debris. The death toll stands at 173 but is expected to rise. Landslides impacted Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, causing significant loss of life.

Search operations are underway in the calamity-ravaged Mundakkai in Wayanad district, but rescue operators have stated that heavy machinery is essential to clear the huge trees uprooted in landslides that buried several houses.

'We are standing on the terrace of a building, and a smell is emanating from underneath, indicating the presence of dead bodies. The building is fully covered with mud and uprooted trees,' a rescue operator told the media.

Despite having excavators (Hitachis), operators say they are insufficient for the task. 'Heavy machinery is required to remove the huge trees and carry out search operations in the collapsed buildings. Only then can we make progress in the operations,' he added.

Wayanad district is facing a mounting crisis as the landslide death toll reaches 173, with more than 200 injured. Authorities warn of a potential surge in fatalities as ongoing rescue efforts uncover additional debris and buried victims.

A series of catastrophic landslides, triggered by heavy downpours, struck the sleepy hamlets of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha early Tuesday, leading to a significant loss of life, including women and children among the victims.

(With inputs from agencies.)