Kerala Wayanad landslide tragedy: Helpline numbers issued as many dead and hundreds feared trapped

Kerala's Wayanad district experienced devastating landslides following heavy rains that resulted in the tragic deaths of five individuals, including two children. Hundreds are feared trapped. The affected regions include Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, which have been severely impacted and isolated due to the landslides. The ongoing heavy rainfall is complicating rescue operations, and many locals fear that more individuals may be trapped.

Wayanad landslide tragedy - helpline numbers

To aid those in need of emergency assistance, the Health Department has established a control room and provided two helpline numbers: 9656938689 and 8086010833.


Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced that two Air Force helicopters will assist in the search and rescue operations. The Chief Minister also highlighted that all government agencies are actively participating in these efforts. He assured that state ministers will travel to Wayanad to oversee the rescue operations and ensure coordination.

UDF MLA T Siddique, in a video update, reported that the district authorities are formulating a plan to airlift residents from the Mundakkai area. He acknowledged the challenge of obtaining accurate information about those missing and deceased due to the isolation of many areas, with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams working to reach these locations.

In response to the crisis, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has deployed NDRF teams to the affected areas, with an additional NDRF team enroute. Furthermore, two teams from the Kannur Defence Security Corps have been instructed to support the rescue efforts.

The rescue operations are being carefully coordinated to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in the face of the challenging weather conditions.