Rescue teams save 1000 people stranded after landslides in Wayanad; toll mounts to 293

BENGALURU: Rescue workers saved about one thousand people in the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad in Kerala as the scarred western ghats region struggled to come back to life after the worst rain fury claimed about 293 people. While the catastrophe has left about two hundred injured, about 240 people were missing on Thursday.

The search and rescue operations resumed Thursday morning after a brief suspension at night. Rain continued to challenge the rescue efforts. “Today, I feel the same way I did when my father passed away. Here, people have not just lost a father, but entire families,” said leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi after he visited the relief camp at Meppadi along with sister Priyanka Gandhi.

The focus of the entire nation was on Wayanad, he said, adding, “I do not think this is the time or place to discuss political issues. The people here require help. My focus is on ensuring they receive the best possible care and protection and are supported," Gandhi said.


He added that the Congress will try to help and ensure that the survivors receive what they are due. "Many of them want to be relocated. There is much that needs to be done here."

Karnataka’s officials brought home a dozen survivors from the site of the disaster.

Meppadi, Mundakkai and Chooralmala suffered the most in landslides caused by continuous rains and swollen streams Tuesday morning.

Madras Engineering Group (MEG) has successfully completed construction of the bridge between Chooralmala and Mundakkai. The 24- tonne capacity bridge was opened for people after the army rode jeep through it to evaluate its strength.