In Kerala, rescue workers are continuing search operations in Mundakkai, Attamala and Chooralmala areas in Wayanad district,  Police sources said 260 persons have lost their lives so far, of which 99 bodies remain unidentified. 86 dismembered body parts have been recovered from the affected area.

 

In the wake of the catastrophic landslide at Wayanad in Kerala, Indian Air Force-(IAF) commenced rescue and relief operations in coordination with the NDRF and other agencies from Tuesday.

 

The transport aircraft of the IAF C-17 has transported 53 metric tons of essential supplies including medical aid, and other essential equipment for rescue operations. AN-32 and C-130 aircraft are ferrying relief materials and personnel.

 

Collectively, these aircraft have facilitated the transportation of over 200 people, including rescue teams and displaced residents, to and from the disaster-stricken zone.

 

The Mi-17 and Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters have been inducted to undertake humanitarian assistance and Disaster Relief-HADR operations.

 

These helicopters have airlifted a large number of people from the affected areas to ensure their safe and immediate transportation.

 

The search operations by relief columns at Attamala, Mundakkai and Chooralmala resumed this morning.

 

The launching of the 190 ft bridge across the stream at Chooralmala continued late into the night and will be completed by the afternoon today. The bridge is crucial to transport men, heavy machinery, and other materials to the landslide-affected areas.

 

Meanwhile, Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor today demanded from the government to declare Wayanad Landslides as a calamity of severe nature.

 

Talking to media outside Parliament House, Mr Tharoor said that he had written a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard. He said once the government declares it a natural calamity then the Parliamentarian can donate one crore rupees for relief and rehabilitation work under MPLADS guidelines.