In Kerala, heavy rains wreaked havoc at Mundakkai, Attamala and Chooramala regions of the hilly Wayanad district where a major landslide during the wee hours of this morning, claimed the lives of at least 36 persons so far. The death toll is likely to rise further. More than 66 persons who were injured in the landslide have been admitted to various hospitals. Reports said 10  bodies washed away in the flash floods, reached Chaliyar river at Poththukal in Malappuram district further downstream.

Several persons are believed to be trapped in the affected region. The areas where the landslides took place,  presented a grim picture of the enormity of nature’s fury, with mud, boulders, uprooted trees and rocks strewn around. Several houses and vehicles were completely damaged in the floods. The state government has sought help from the armed forces to deal with the situation.    

Army personnel from Kozhikode and Kannur with medical equipment have also been mobilised. More NDRF teams from Bengaluru and Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu are expected to reach Wayanad later today. The Mundakkai area remains completely cut off from the rest of Wayanad district.  A bridge at Choorakkal, which is the main link with the Mundakkai area has been washed away, causing difficulty to reach out to those trapped there.