Survivors of the devastating mudslide that struck Wayanad district in Kerala on Friday have described their harrowing experiences, with many saying they thought they would not survive. The landslide, which occurred in the early hours near Meppadi, buried several houses and left multiple people injured. Rescue operations are underway as authorities fear more casualties.
Survivors Recount Terrifying Ordeal
Speaking from a relief camp, local resident Rajesh Kumar said: "We heard a loud rumbling sound and within seconds, mud and rocks came crashing into our home. We barely managed to escape through the back door. It felt like the end." Another survivor, Shanthi, added: "I thought it was all over. The mud came in so fast. My neighbor's house was completely swept away."
The mudslide hit a settlement of around 40 houses, with at least 10 homes completely destroyed. According to district officials, over 50 people have been rescued so far, but many remain missing. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to assist in search and rescue efforts.
Rescue Operations Intensify
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the district administration to expedite rescue and relief measures. In a statement, he said: "We are doing everything possible to save lives. All agencies are working together." The Indian Army has also been called in to assist with the operations, setting up a temporary command post near the site.
Heavy rains have hampered rescue efforts, with roads leading to the affected area blocked by debris. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Wayanad and neighboring districts, predicting more heavy rainfall in the coming days. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to move to safer locations.
Impact on Local Community
The mudslide has left the local community in shock. Many families have lost their homes and belongings. Relief camps have been set up in schools and community halls, providing food and shelter to over 200 displaced people. Medical teams are on standby to treat the injured, with at least 15 people reported injured, some critically.
The state government has announced an initial compensation of ₹5 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh to those injured. However, the full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed. Environmentalists have pointed to deforestation and unregulated construction as contributing factors to the increased frequency of landslides in the Western Ghats region.
Government Response and Precautionary Measures
In response to the disaster, the Kerala government has suspended all tourist activities in the region and closed schools and colleges in Wayanad for the next two days. The district administration has also identified 15 vulnerable locations and is evacuating residents from these areas as a precautionary measure.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Vijayan and assured full support from the central government. The Ministry of Home Affairs has released an additional ₹100 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund for relief operations in Kerala, which has been hit by multiple landslides and floods in recent weeks.
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on locating missing persons and providing immediate relief to those affected. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to climate-induced disasters, with experts calling for better land-use planning and early warning systems.
