Five Days of Rescue Efforts in Wayanad: Landslide Death Toll Reaches 344, 206 Still Missing

As rescue operations continued into their fifth day, the death toll from Kerala’s severe natural disaster reached 344, with 206 individuals still unaccounted for following the catastrophic landslides and floods in Wayanad.

A rescue team of over 1,500 members, including personnel from the Defence forces, NDRF, SDRF, police, fire services, and volunteers, began their search efforts early on Saturday. Their focus was on the four hardest-hit areas: Churalmala, Velarimala, Mundakayil, and Punchirimadom.

So far, 146 bodies have been identified, while 74 remain unidentified. Among the deceased are 30 children, and numerous dismembered body parts have also been found in the wreckage. Approximately 100 relief camps have been established, accommodating nearly 9,500 displaced individuals.

Additionally, 84 people are currently hospitalized in the district. On Saturday morning, actor Mohanlal, who holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the 122 Territorial Army and is affiliated with the Kannur unit, visited the disaster-stricken areas with his unit. Wearing military gear, he first went to the base camp in Meppadi, met with the Defence forces, and then proceeded to Churalmala to engage with the rescue teams.