Wayanad Landslide Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 210 as Rescue Operations Continue

The devastating landslides in Wayanad district have claimed 210 lives, according to Kerala Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas. Rescue efforts continue with 1,374 personnel, ground-penetrating radars, and drones. As the search for 218 still missing individuals persists, rescued survivors and displaced residents receive medical care and temporary shelter.

The number of fatalities from the catastrophic landslides that struck Wayanad district three days ago has climbed to 210, Kerala Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas announced on Friday.

According to data disclosed by Riyas during a press conference, 210 bodies, including those of 83 women and 29 children, have been discovered. Of these, 119 bodies have been handed over to their relatives.

In a glimmer of hope amid the disaster, rescuers managed to reach a family of four trapped near Padavetti Kunnu and relocated them to a relief camp. Approximately 1,374 rescue workers are actively involved in the search operations, utilizing ground-penetrating radars and drones for aid.

The minister also noted that 218 people are still missing based on Aadhaar documents, tourist details, and reports from relief camps and hospitals. In other distressing statistics, the district administration reported the recovery of 133 body parts and completion of 328 autopsies so far.

Meanwhile, 264 individuals have suffered injuries, with 177 discharged, two referred to other facilities, and 85 currently receiving treatment. Efforts to identify recovered body parts through genetic testing are underway, said Kerala Health Minister Veena George.

A total of 9,910 people displaced by the landslides have been evacuated to 94 relief camps in Wayanad, where rescue teams face harsh conditions and waterlogged soil as they search for survivors and bodies among the debris.