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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234 held in anti-drug operation in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 15 (PTI): The Kerala police on Saturday said as part of its special drive to crack down on individuals suspected of drug trafficking, 234 people were arrested, and varying quantities of several deadly narcotics, including MDMA, were seized.
The State Police Media Centre (SPMC) stated that on March 14, as part of the drive, D-Hunt, authorities inspected 2,362 individuals suspected of drug trafficking and arrested 234 of them.
The operation was carried out across the state to identify and take strict legal action against those involved in the storage and distribution of banned drugs.
Police registered 222 cases related to the possession of various prohibited substances, according to a statement issued by the SPMC.
Additionally, authorities seized 0.0119 kg of MDMA, 6.171 kg of cannabis, and 167 cannabis 'beedis' from those arrested.
Operation D-Hunt is being jointly implemented by the Range-based NDPS Coordination Cell and District Police Chiefs under the leadership of State Anti-Narcotics Task Force Head and ADGP (Law and Order) Manoj Abraham, following the instructions of State Police Chief Dr Sheikh Darvesh Sahib, the statement said.
The SPMC also announced that a 24-hour Anti-Narcotics Control Room (9497927797) has been set up to receive information from the public regarding drug-related activities.
The details of individuals who contact this number will be kept confidential, it added.
Furthermore, the operation will continue in the coming days through sustained surveillance and the creation of a database of individuals regularly involved in drug-related activities and transactions.
