Massive landslides in Wayanad, Kerala kill 8 amid heavy rain
Wayanad: At least eight people, including three children, have been confirmed dead following massive landslides in Wayanad district early Tuesday morning. The first landslide occurred around 2 a.m., followed by another at approximately 4:10 a.m. The affected areas are near Meppadi.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local fireforce units, and additional teams are currently engaged in rescue operations, which have been severely impeded by ongoing heavy rains. Two Air Force helicopters, an Mi-17 and an ALH, are also being deployed to assist with the efforts.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has assured that all possible measures are being taken to coordinate rescue operations, with ministers set to visit the region. A control room has been established, and helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 have been issued for emergency assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakhs for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. He has also expressed his condolences and assured support from the central government.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who is also a former MP of Wayanad expressed his condolences and is coordinating with authorities to ensure effective relief efforts. He has urged UDF workers to assist in the rescue operations.
I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 30, 2024
I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad…
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for northern Kerala, including Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram, warning of heavy rains and advising caution for locals and tourists.
Rescue operations continue as the region grapples with severe weather conditions and the aftermath of the landslides.
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Man arrested with Rs 2.54-crore heroin in Mumbai
Mumbai (PTI): Police have arrested a man and seized over 500 grams of heroin worth Rs 2.54 crore in the illicit market from him in Mumbai, officials said on Friday.
The police's Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) made the drug seizure in Santacruz in the western suburbs. The operation was conducted by the Kandivali unit of the ANC on Thursday as part of a special crackdown against drug trafficking in the area, they said.
Acting on specific inputs, an ANC team conducted a raid in Santacruz (East) and intercepted a man. During a search, the team recovered 508 grams of high-grade heroin from his possession, an official said.
The seized contraband, a highly addictive, opioid drug derived from morphine, is estimated to be worth Rs 2.54 crore in the international market, he informed.
Following the seizure, a case was registered against the man under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and he was formally placed under arrest in the early hours of Friday.
The police are currently investigating the source of the drug and trying to identify the intended recipients of the consignment, he said.
