Search and rescue operations in Kerala’s Wayanad have entered their sixth day as rescuers work tirelessly to find survivors and recover bodies from the landslide debris. With a death toll of 366 and 206 people still missing, various forces have deployed advanced search tools and heavy machinery to aid in the efforts. The state government is providing aid and planning rehabilitation for the affected residents, while security measures have been tightened due to reports of theft in evacuated areas. Controversies have arisen around donations to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, amidst widespread support for the disaster-struck community.
5 Major Key Points
- Intensive Rescue Operations: Over 1,300 personnel from various forces, including NDRF, Army, Navy, and others, are deployed in Wayanad, using advanced equipment like deep search radars, drones, and cadaver dogs.
- Significant Casualties and Missing Persons: The death toll has reached 366, with 206 people still unaccounted for, as rescuers race against time to locate survivors or recover bodies from the landslide debris.
- Government Support and Rehabilitation Plans: The Kerala government has announced free ration for affected areas and plans to establish a new township for the displaced. Offers of aid and housing construction have come from multiple quarters, including political parties and neighboring states.
- Increased Security Measures: Reports of theft in abandoned properties of landslide-hit villages have led to increased night patrols by the police to protect residents’ belongings.
- Controversy Over Relief Fund Donations: Internal conflicts within the Congress party have surfaced regarding donations to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, with differing opinions on the necessity and management of the funds.
