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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RCB secure IPL playoff berth with 23-run win against Punjab Kings
Dharamsala (PTI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru rode on fluent half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer, along with a decisive opening spell from pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, to thrash Punjab Kings by 23 runs and seal a playoff berth in the IPL here on Sunday.
Kohli (58 off 37 balls), Iyer (73 not out off 40 balls) and Devdutt Padikkal (45) produced impactful knocks as RCB piled up 222 for 4 in 20 overs.
Bhuvneshwar (2/38) then removed the dangerous Punjab Kings opening pair of Priyansh Arya (0) and Prabhsimran Singh (2) early to all but shut the door on the opposition, who eventually managed 199 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Pacer Rasikh Salam (3/36) compounded Punjab Kings' misery by dismissing skipper Shreyas Iyer (1) in the fourth over as the hosts slumped to 19 for 3.
Late-order batters Shashank Singh (56 off 27 balls) and Marcus Stoinis (37 off 25 balls) attempted to revive the innings with a counter-attacking effort, but the towering RCB total ultimately proved far beyond PBKS' reach.
Earlier, Kohli stitched together a 76-run stand with Devdutt for the second wicket to lay the foundation before adding another 60 runs with Venkatesh for the third wicket as table-toppers RCB delivered yet another authoritative batting display.
Brief Scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 222 for 4 in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 58, Devdutt Padikkal 45, Venkatesh Iyer 73 not out; Harpreet Brar 2/35).
Punjab Kings: 199 for 8 in 20 overs (Cooper Connolly 37, Suryansh Shedge 35, Marcus Stoinis 37, Shashank Singh 56; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/38, Rasikh Salam 3/36).
