KATHMANDU: 44 persons have lost their lives in the landslides that hit the Meppadi area of Wayanad early on Tuesday morning, according to confirmation from Kerala Minister MB Rajesh. 250 people have reportedly been saved and taken to makeshift shelters, according to the minister. Rescue efforts are still underway, and given the gravity of the situation, more casualties could occur. The Army has been called in to aid with the rescue attempts, which are being carried out urgently. Help is anticipated shortly.

Minister Rajesh emphasized that the Chief Minister has sent a team of ministers to supervise the operations in Wayanad and is actively monitoring the situation. The on-the-ground coordination of the rescue operations will be handled by an IAS official. While efforts are made to airlift those who are stuck in affected areas, the rescued people are being transported to makeshift shelters. 

Health Minister Veena George provided further details, stating that teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Civil Defence are already on the ground, with a Navy team en route. She reported that 24 bodies have been received at various hospitals, and approximately 70 people have been injured. A bridge in the area has been washed away, complicating the rescue efforts. The government is ensuring that injured individuals receive proper medical treatment.

The landslide has impacted several areas, including Meppadi, Mundakkal Town, and Chooralmala. The state health minister noted that rescue personnel, medical equipment, and health workers have been sent to local government hospitals in Vythiri, Mananthawadi, Kalpetta, and Meppadi. The response includes efforts to manage and treat the injured and address the destruction caused by the landslides.

The Kerala Chief Minister's office has established a control room in reaction to the tragedy to enable prompt relief and rescue efforts. With ministers directing and supervising the activities to guarantee a successful reaction to the catastrophic landslide in Wayanad, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ordered that all government resources be mobilized for the rescue efforts.