The government of Kerala has declared official mourning in the state on Tuesday, July 30 and Wednesday, July 31. The action comes in light of over 100 people losing their lives in landslides that hit the northern district of Wayanad in Kerala. The flag will be raised at half mast on these days and all government public and celebratory events have been cancelled.

Multiple rescue efforts underway

A massive rescue operation is underway, with the Army, Navy, NDRF, and state government agencies working together to provide critical assistance to those affected. Additional columns of soldiers, medical teams, and equipment have been deployed to aid in the efforts, while Indian Air Force helicopters and the Navy’s River Crossing Team have also been dispatched to the affected area. The Kerala government has sought the assistance of the Defence forces to augment rescue operations, with a 43-member team from the 122 Infantry Battalion (TA) MADRAS deployed to aid in the efforts.

Condolences pour in from leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have expressed concern over the incident, assuring all possible help from the Centre to the state. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has declared official mourning on July 30 and 31, with the National Flag to be kept half-mast and all public functions and celebrations cancelled. Modi spoke to Chief Minister Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre, saying, “Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured.”

Red alert issued for 8 districts

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared a red alert in eight districts due to the possibility of heavy rainfall in the state for the next 48 hours. A holiday has been declared for schools and colleges in affected districts, and people have been advised to stay alert and vigilant in case the situation turns adverse. The red alert has been announced in the districts of Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

Grief and desperation: Families mourn loved ones

The devastating incident has left families in a state of shock and grief, with many struggling to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones. Frantic phone calls and heart-wrenching scenes have highlighted the intensity of the tragedy, as people desperately plead for help and rescue teams work tirelessly to evacuate those stranded. Several women and children are among the dead, and the bodies of the deceased are being taken to various hospital morgues for identification and autopsy.