Wayanad landslides: Toll crosses 300-mark; drones to look for survivors
What's the story
The death toll in the Wayanad landslides crossed 300 even as rescue teams continued to work under harsh conditions to locate survivors trapped in collapsed buildings after Tuesday's calamity.
As rescue operations enter the fourth day, the authorities will widen the scope to include a drone-based radar to find the survivors.
Notably, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) of Kerala has issued an "orange alert" for heavy rainfall in the district and parts of the state until Saturday.
Rescue challenges
Rescue efforts hindered amidst Wayanad landslides
According to reports, rescue efforts in the landslide-hit areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala have been hampered due to the extreme weather, damaged roads and bridges, a shortage of heavy equipment, and the treacherous terrain.
However, the Indian Army has managed to complete the construction of C1 24 Bailey Bridge over Iruvanipzha River—which connects Chooralmala with Mundakkai.
This bridge has been opened for traffic, easing movement between the affected districts.
Relief efforts
Relief camps established for landslide victims in Wayanad
According to reports, on Friday as many as 40 rescue teams will conduct search operations in six zones.
Police personnel from eight police stations around the river and swimming experts among local residents have also been roped in to conduct the searches.
Separately, a helicopter will also conduct a parallel search.
The drone-based radar will reach Kerala on Saturday from Delhi to intensify the rescue operations, reports added.
200 injured
Toll expected to go up
While over 200 people were injured, the Army and other officials rescued around 1,000 and the death toll is expected to rise further as the rescue operations continue.
Meanwhile, in response to the IMD alert, all educational institutions in at least seven districts of the state have been declared shut on Friday.
The affected districts include Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasragod.
Political visit
Rahul, Priyanka to meet village leaders, district administration
Additionally, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra—who reached Wayanad on Thursday to oversee rescue operations—will hold a meeting with party workers to aid in the relief work.
They are also expected to meet with a delegation of Meppadi gram panchayat and attend a district administration briefing.
Notably, Gandhi is the former MP from Wayanad, while Vadra is contesting for the bypolls from the seat.