The catastrophic landslide in Wayanad, one of India’s most devastating natural disasters, continues to claim lives as the death toll rises. As of Thursday evening, 189 deaths have been officially confirmed, with fears that the toll may exceed 400. The landslide, affecting Mundakkai and Chooralmala, has left 425 people unaccounted for, despite ongoing rescue efforts.
Rescue operations, led by the army, are in their fourth day. Major General Vinod Mathew reported that recovery efforts are challenging due to the dismembered state of many bodies, making accurate identification difficult. To date, 85 men, 76 women, and 27 children have been found, but only 107 bodies have been identified and 100 recovered.
Bodies from Malappuram have been transported to Wayanad for post-mortem examinations. A protocol is in place for the cremation of bodies without heirs, while 96 individuals are being treated in hospitals and 129 have been relocated to camps.
In response to the severe weather conditions, schools in Wayanad, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kozhikode, and Palakkad will be closed on Friday.
