Death Toll: The death toll from the Wayanad landslide has risen to at least 296, with over 200 injured and 240 people still missing.
Rescue Efforts: Rescue operations are ongoing, with the army, navy, coast guard, and dog squads involved. Over 1,000 rescuers from Central and state emergency response teams are conducting massive search operations.
Weather Conditions: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted ‘heavy to very heavy rainfall’ at isolated places, with strong surface winds expected.
Location: The landslides occurred in the Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Meppadi villages of Wayanad district, Kerala, India.
Cause: The landslides were triggered by torrential rains, which caused hillsides to collapse, resulting in massive torrents of mud, water, and boulders.
Satellite Images: ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) has released high-resolution images taken by the space agency’s satellites, which reveal the extensive damage caused by the landslip in Wayanad district in Kerala.
Government Response: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced payments of ₹2 lakh (US$2,400) to relatives of the dead and ₹50,000 (US$600) to each injured. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin spoke with Vijayan regarding the landslides. The government of Tamil Nadu offered ₹5 crore for relief operations and sent medical and rescue teams.
