In Kerala, 63 bodies have been recovered from the debris of the landslide site that hit Wayanad district during the wee hours of this morning. The death toll is likely to mount further. Official sources said 128 persons injured in the mishap have been admitted to various hospitals. Efforts are in full swing by the NDRF, the state government machinery and the public to rescue more persons believed to be trapped under the debris.
The Kerala government has declared a two-day mourning from today. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life and property, the government announced that all public programmes and celebrations stand postponed. The National Flag will fly half-mast during his period.
Meanwhile, the IMD has issued red alerts in eight districts in the state, indicating the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall. In its revised weather bulletin this afternoon, the Department issued a red alert in the districts of Idukki, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. It has issued orange alerts in the districts of Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta.
Disclaimer: This press release is sourced from News On AIR, Prasar Bharti and Press Information Bureau India (PIB).
