Tragedy in Wayanad: Landslides Claim 177 Lives and Leave Over 200 Injured

A series of massive landslides in Wayanad district has resulted in 177 fatalities, including 25 children and 70 women, and over 200 injuries. Rescue operations are ongoing amid challenging conditions. The number of missing persons stands at 191, though it may be higher. The tragedy was triggered by torrential rains.

A devastating landslide in Wayanad district has claimed 177 lives and injured over 200 people, as confirmed by the district administration on Thursday. The number of casualties is feared to rise as rescue teams continue to unearth more debris and locate missing persons.

Among the deceased are 25 children and 70 women. Post-mortem examinations for 252 bodies remain pending, while 100 of these bodies have already been identified. Still, 92 body parts have been recovered from the disaster site.

Rescue operations face adverse conditions, such as waterlogged soil, making it difficult to search for survivors or recover bodies. Official estimates put the number of missing individuals at 191, but this figure is likely to be higher. The landslides occurred between 2 am and 4.10 am on Tuesday, catching residents off-guard and resulting in a significant loss of life. Torrential rains triggered the calamity, hitting areas like Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha particularly hard.

(With inputs from agencies.)