Death toll in Wayanad tops 300, CM Vijayan says 'no one left to be saved...'

Rescue efforts in the landslide-affected Chooralmala in Wayanad have entered their fourth day. The death toll has reached over 300, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said. Despite heavy rains and challenging terrain, 40 rescue teams are continuing their search operations.

These 40 teams will be conducting search operations in six zones of the landslide-hit areas: Attamala and Aaranmala (first), Mundakkai (second), Punchirimattam (third), Vellarimala village (fourth), GVHSS Vellarimala (fifth), and the riverbank (sixth). The joint teams include personnel from the army, NDRF, DSG, Coast Guard, Navy, and MEG, along with three locals and one forest department employee. Additionally, a three-pronged search operation will focus on the Chaliyar River.

The eight police stations along the 40-km stretch of the river will collaborate with local swimming experts to search for bodies that may have been carried downstream or are trapped along the riverbanks. Simultaneously, another search operation will be conducted using a police helicopter.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Thursday that “Nobody is left to be saved in the villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala and Attamala.” He added that rescue workers are now focused on locating and recovering any remaining bodies from the area.

Moreover, the Coast Guard, Navy, and Forest Department will jointly conduct a search operation focusing on the riverbanks and areas where bodies may be trapped. State Revenue Minister K Rajan mentioned that a drone-based radar from Delhi would arrive on Saturday to help locate bodies buried in the mud. He also noted that six dogs are assisting in the search operation, with four more arriving from Tamil Nadu.