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Kerala:<\/strong> In a heart-wrenching incident, massive landslides triggered by heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Kerala\u2019s Wayanad district, resulting in at least 123 confirmed deaths and leaving hundreds more feared trapped. The disaster, which struck early today, has caused widespread destruction, destroying homes, swelling water bodies, and uprooting trees across the region.<\/p>\n The villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha are among the most severely affected areas, now cut off from the rest of the district. Rescue operations are in full swing, with combined efforts from the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state disaster response teams, police, and fire services working tirelessly to evacuate stranded individuals.<\/p>\n Kerala Chief Minister announced two days of official mourning in response to the tragedy. Public events and celebrations have been postponed, and the national flag will be flown at half-mast during this period. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, \u201cSteps have been initiated to deliver food and essential supplies. Two vehicles carrying 20,000 litres of drinking water will arrive at the disaster area.\u201d<\/p>\n The scale of the disaster has prompted a significant mobilization of resources. The Indian Army has reported rescuing around 150 people from Mudakkayi village alone, providing medical aid and evacuating them to safer locations. Additional army columns, totalling approximately 365 personnel, have been deployed or are on standby for the operation.<\/p>\n The Indian Navy has dispatched a team of 30 specialist swimmers, while two Indian Air Force helicopters have been deployed for search and rescue operations. The Fire Force has deployed 321 members in Wayanad, and an NDRF team of 60 members has reached the district, with an additional 89-member team en route from Bengaluru.<\/p>\n Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai reported to the Rajya Sabha that more than 250 people have been evacuated to safer locations, with 300 personnel deployed for rescue operations in the Meppadi area of Wayanad.<\/p>\n The disaster has triggered a wave of support from various quarters. Kerala Bank has contributed Rs 50 lakh to the Chief Minister\u2019s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF). The Chief Ministers of Sikkim and Tamil Nadu have pledged Rs 2 crore and Rs 5 crore in aid, respectively.<\/p>\n The Kerala Chief Minister has urged citizens to contribute to the CMDRF, stating, \u201cNothing can replace the loss of loved ones or possessions, but we must extend our support and lift those affected.\u201d<\/p>\n As rescue efforts continue, authorities are urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel to the affected areas, as it is causing significant blockages and hampering rescue operations. The Kerala Chief Minister stressed, \u201cThe arrival of unnecessary vehicles is causing significant blockages and must be strictly avoided. Everyone must be prepared to cooperate.\u201d<\/p>\n The disaster has also impacted infrastructure in neighbouring areas. A travel ban has been imposed on the Munnar Gap Road in Idukki, and the bridge leading to the Mankulam-Kurathikkudi region in Idukki has collapsed.<\/p>\n Currently, 3,069 people are being housed in 45 relief camps across Wayanad. Five ministers are coordinating the relief and rescue operations. A shelter camp has been established at St. Mary\u2019s SKMJ School in Bathery, Kalpetta, with medical teams, ambulances, and provisions for food and clothing on-site.<\/p>\n The tragedy has drawn national attention, with\u00a0Union Minister JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh\u00a0<\/span>expressing condolences and praying for the success of rescue operations. O<\/span>pposition leader Rahul Gandhi and various party leaders, also have offered their assistance and assured their support in addressing the crisis.<\/span><\/p>\n PM Modi has already announced Rs 2 lakhs ex-gratia for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.<\/p>\n President Murmu took to X to express her condolences and wrote,\u00a0\u201cPained by the loss of lives in massive landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and for the success of rescue operations.\u201d<\/p>\n Pained by the loss of lives in massive landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and for the success of rescue operations.<\/p>\n\n