Wayanadu, Kerala.
A catastrophic series of landslides triggered by torrential rains on July 30th has devastated the district of Wayanad, resulting in a staggering loss of life and widespread destruction.
The villages of Mundakkai and Chooralmala bore the brunt of the disaster, with entire settlements being wiped out.
The initial landslides, occurring at 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM, were followed by further incidents at 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM, compounding the misery of the affected population. The collapse of the bridge connecting Mundakkai and Meppadi has isolated the village, hindering rescue and relief operations.
Seva Bharati, has been at the forefront of the relief efforts, working in tandem with the NDRF to search for missing persons and recover bodies. The organization has deployed 12 mobile cremation units (Chitaagni) to facilitate the dignified disposal of the deceased. Thus far, 37 bodies have been cremated, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
The disaster has claimed the lives of at least 291 people, with 190 injured and hospitalized. Of these, nine are in critical condition and receiving intensive care. The whereabouts of 240 people remain unknown.
Beyond search and rescue, Seva Bharati provides essential services such as ambulance transportation, food distribution, medical assistance, and blood donation. A network of 651 volunteers is operating from 10 locations across the affected region. The organization has distributed 2500 food packets and established collection centers in Godallaikunnu, Kariya building, Kalpetta to gather relief materials.
The Army is constructing a bridge to restore connectivity to the isolated areas. The scale of the tragedy has prompted the Kerala government to declare a state of mourning.
RSS Uttara Prant Seva Pramukh MC Valthsan along with Deseeya Seva Bharati District Karyakartas are overseeing Seva Bharati’s operations in the disaster-stricken region, while local volunteers are working tirelessly to provide aid and support to the affected communities.
#support_wayanad has been initiated to mobilize assistance from across Kerala.
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