Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The death toll in the Wayanad landslide tragedy climbed to 143 on July 31, with several injured and trapped, according to the State Health Department. Relief and rescue operations are underway in Wayanad’s Chooralmala after a landslide broke out on July 30.
The massive landslide wreaked havoc in the region as houses and roads were damaged, trees uprooted and water bodies swelled, hindering rescue operations.
Meanwhile, the national flag flew at half-mast at the Kerala Legislative Assembly as a two-day mourning period was observed in the state following the Wayanad landslide that claimed 143 lives. Union Minister George Kurian reached Wayanad to take stock of ongoing relief operations, where he interacted with senior officials of the NDRF, CRPF and Army officials. He also visited a relief camp at Kalpetta at 11 pm.
“Reached Wayanad hit by a massive landslide and took stock of relief ops. Interacted with senior officials of NDRF, CRPF and Army officials. Visited a relief camp at Kalpetta at 11 pm,” Kurian wrote in a post on X.