Eleven people, including three children, were killed, while hundreds of people were feared trapped after massive landslides struck hilly areas in Kerala's Wayanad district.
The incident happened near Meppadi early on Tuesday.
According to the details, the first landslide struck the area at nearly 2 am. Later, at nearly 4.10 am, the district was struck by another landslide.
Fireforce and teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed to the affected area, with an additional NDRF team en route to Wayanad, news agency PTI reported.
News agency ANI said two Air Force helicopters, an Mi-17 and an ALH, will depart from Sulur for the rescue operations.
A purported video, shared by West Coast Weatherman on X, showed the site of landslides in the district.
Two teams of Kannur Defence Security Corps were instructed to move to Wayanad to assist in the rescue efforts, according to a Facebook post by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).
Rescue operations are being hindered due to incessant rain.
In a statement, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, "All possible rescue operations will be coordinated on the landslides in Wayanad."
"Since we got to know of the incident, the government systems have joined together in the rescue operation. Ministers will visit Wayanad and lead the activities," the Chief Minister said.
Meanwhile, a control room was opened in the wake of the landslides.
Helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 were also issued for emergency assistance.
PM MODI ANNOUNCES EX-GRATIA
Hours after the landslides, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs for those killed. He also said those injured would be given Rs 50,000 each.
In an X post, the Prime Minister also said he spoke to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
"Distressed the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured," the Prime Minister tweeted.
"Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there," he said.
RAHUL GANDHI OFFERS CONDOLENCES
In an X post, Rahul Gandhi said he was deeply anguished by the landslides and the loss of lives caused by the same.
"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," he wrote.
"I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector, who assured me that rescue operations are underway. I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts," Rahul Gandhi said.
"I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad. I urge all UDF workers to assist the administration in the rescue and relief operations," he tweeted.
RED ALERT IN KERALA
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert in northern districts of Kerala for Tuesday.
Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram were expected to receive heavy rain today, the weather department said.
It also advised locals and tourists to exercise extreme precaution in the wake of heavy rain.
Source: India Today