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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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.
