Wayanad landslides: Death toll reaches 308, rescue operations intensify with drone-based radar
Wayanad: In a tragic incident, landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have claimed the lives of at least 308 people in Kerala's Wayanad district. The death toll has risen steadily as rescue teams, including personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), continue their search for survivors. The challenging terrain, exacerbated by damaged roads and bridges, has hampered rescue efforts, making it difficult to access the affected areas.
To aid in the search for those still trapped under the rubble, a drone-based radar system will be deployed. Additionally, rescue teams have been divided into six zones, each covering specific areas such as Attamala, Aaranmala, and Mundakkai. The operation also includes the use of helicopters and the involvement of local experts in swimming.
Four more dogs from Tamil Nadu will join the six currently assisting in the rescue operations. Meanwhile, 25 ambulances have been mobilized to transport the injured, with a Bailey Bridge constructed by the Indian Army enabling access to the remote areas.
The district remains under a red alert for heavy rainfall, with the India Meteorological Department predicting more rain in Wayanad and neighboring districts. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are closely monitoring the situation and have been present in the area to oversee relief efforts along with the local authorities.
As the rescue operations enter their fourth day, the number of casualties is expected to rise. The international community, including US President Joe Biden, has expressed condolences to the victims' families and praised the resilience and bravery of the rescue teams.
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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.
