Kerala: Death toll in Wayanad landslides rises to 308

GUWAHATI, Aug 2: The death toll in the devastating landslides that struck Wayanad in Kerala has risen to 308, the State’s Health Minister Veena George confirmed today.

The rescue and relief operations are underway in Chooralmala and Mundakkai in the Meppadi region where the landslides wreaked havoc, news agency ANI reported.

Minister George said 195 bodies and 113 body parts have been recovered so far, the ANI report further quoted.

The affected area has been divided into six zones based on accessibility and prospects of recovery of missing persons, namely Zone 1 -Punchirimattom region, Zone 2 – Mundekkai region, Zone 3 – School area, Zone 4 – Chooralmala town area, Zone 5 – Village area and Zone 6 – Downstream.

The rescue and relief operations coordinated by the Army, NDRF, SDRF and civil administration are underway at multiple locations, ensuring quick evacuation of stranded people, and provision of basic amenities and medical assistance.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, meanwhile, held a high-level meeting in Wayanad to take stock of the situation. He said that rescue will be the main priority and that rehabilitation will be done at the earliest.

(With Inputs from ANI)