Wayanad Landslide: Rescue Operations Still On as Death Toll Touches 385
The devastating landslide in Wayanad has entered into its seventh day of rescue operations and the death toll has touched 385. Search for missing individuals continues with more than 1,500 personnel, including volunteers, being engaged in the recovery efforts across the affected regions of Mundakkai and Chooralmala.
Present Rescue Work
Rescuers have intensified operations as the search is ongoing for the missing. The officials have divided the affected regions into six zones in order to start the systematic search. Besides rescue workers none other are being allowed to the area of Bailey bridge as there were reports of stolen items in some houses. Along with the surface area, water searches areas also being undertaken at the Chaliyar river for bodies’.
Cadaver dogs combined with searches by drones are locating the bodies buried in the landslide. Advanced tools are taken into their inclement terrain to locate the remains of more victims buried beneath the landslide. The rescue teams are working round-the-clock. It is making sure that everything that possibly can be done in the recovery of all missing people is put up in full force.
A mass burial of unidentified bodies will be held at Puthumala on Monday. On Sunday, 25 unidentified bodies and parts were buried. The process aims to clear the large number of remains as quickly as possible while bringing closure to the families.
Revenue Minister K. Rajan announced that a full-fledged list of missing persons will be prepared. For this, ASHA and anganwadi workers would be made use of to help collect information and identification. Special arrangements are also made for reissue of certificates and necessary documents to the affected by the calamity.
Impact on Local Community
The landslide has caused great disruption across Wayanad, with schools reopening only in areas outside the ambit of the relief camps. The disaster also saw 16 relief camps come up in the district that sheltered more than 2,500 people. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, 2,514 people from 723 families are currently housed in relief camps. Among them are 943 men, 972 women, and 599 children, including six pregnant women.
The relief camps are providing the necessary basic requirements and assistance to people who have lost their homes and belongings. Relief workers and volunteers are present in camps to ensure that required help is provided to such displaced persons in this critical juncture.
Government and Community Response
The response to coordinate the events of the landslide involves local authorities, state government officials, and various humanitarian organizations. The government is, in great measure, involved in its efforts to enhance rescue operations as much as it can and has its focus on providing immediate relief.
In all the crisis situations and coordination with related agencies, the Office of the Chief Minister has been in the forefront to ensure that succor is made available to the affected people. The continuous efforts remain a manifestation of commitment to serving the needs of the affected population and containing the effects of the disaster.
What Next: How?
Concerned at the rescue operation being undertaken, the priorities are the recovery of the missing persons and sustenance of survivors. The situation remains fluid, with the authorities taking all strategies to try and keep up with the changing conditions and challenges on the ground.
The community strength, as well as joint efforts by the rescue teams, are the most important ways across catastrophe. It is hoped that, with efforts continuing, which are extended the necessary help, the impact of the landslide can be contained and recovery may begin for affected people.
The disaster has really emphasized how preparedness and response are indeed continuous in the case of such a catastrophe. Such aspects of lessons learned from these tragedies will be vital in improving disaster response strategies and ensuring support systems for communities exposed to similar challenges in the future.
Read more about related article, just click here
