Wayanad landslide: Search operations continue; human remains recovered
Search operations resumed in the landslide-hit Wayanad district on Sunday after a brief pause due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.
The devastating landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall on July 30, has claimed 229 lives officially, with over 130 people still missing. Despite adverse weather conditions, the search teams, which include police, fire force personnel, volunteers, and survivors, continue their relentless efforts to recover those still unaccounted for.
On Sunday, a human skull and several body parts were discovered near the Soochippara waterfalls and Kanthanpara. These remains were transported to the Nilambur district hospital and later to Kalpetta for further examination.
The search operation, involving over 60 personnel from various forces including the Army, NDRF, and forest department, has been particularly challenging due to the treacherous terrain and inclement weather.
The district administration has ensured that survivors and relatives of the missing are actively involved in the search operations and are registered to join the mission. Hundreds of volunteers, including women, were seen crossing the recently constructed Bailey bridge, moving towards the mountainous regions in their quest to assist the rescue teams.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the inclusion of relatives in the search as a "last-ditch effort" to locate the missing, acknowledging that all other methods have been exhausted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the disaster-stricken areas on Saturday, assured the Central government would spare no effort to aid Kerala's relief and rehabilitation initiatives.
Describing the tragedy as "nature displaying its furious form," he conducted an aerial survey of the affected regions, and interacted with survivors in relief camps.
The search operations, although temporarily halted due to weather conditions, are set to intensify, especially in the areas surrounding the Chaliyar River in Malappuram.
A 190-member team comprising various forces and volunteers prepares for a detailed search on August 13. The government is also focusing on the rehabilitation of survivors, with 253 rental houses identified for relocation. State Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas emphasized that the rehabilitation process will be carried out in consultation with the survivors, ensuring their preferences are taken into account.
Meanwhile, efforts to recover lost official documents for the survivors are underway, with a special camp organized by the Local Self-Government Department in collaboration with various agencies. Additionally, the state disaster management authority has tasked an expert team with assessing the habitability of the landslide-hit regions and potential rehabilitation sites.
In another significant move, Kerala Bank announced the clearance of all debts for the landslide victims, both those who lost their lives and those who lost their properties. The bank's staff also pledged to donate five days of their salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Distress Fund (CMRDF), further supporting the relief efforts.
