Vidushi Gaur/Kerala and Himachal Pradesh

In the wake of catastrophic landslides and a cloudburst, extensive rescue operations are ongoing in Kerala's Wayanad and Himachal Pradesh's Rampur districts. The combined death toll has reached alarming heights, with many still missing and feared trapped.

Wayanad Landslides: Search Operation Enters Day 6

The search and rescue operations in Kerala's Wayanad have entered their sixth day on Sunday, with the death toll currently at 308. The landslides, which struck the Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas, have left many residents trapped under debris.

The Bailey bridge being reconstructed for aid in rescue operations at the landslide-hit Chooralmala, in Wayanad district

Wayanad District Collector Meghashree reported that over 1,300 personnel are actively involved in the rescue efforts. Volunteers are also assisting, although extra precautions are being taken to ensure their safety after some became stranded during earlier operations.

Kerala Chief Minister's Office has implemented night patrolling in the affected areas to prevent unauthorized entry. Only rescue personnel are permitted to enter these zones at night.

To expedite the search operations, the Indian Air Force has transported advanced ZAWER and REECO radars from Siachen and Delhi. Additionally, the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force have successfully rescued three individuals stranded at Soochipara Waterfalls.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed gratitude to the Tamil Nadu government for its Rs 5 crore contribution towards relief efforts. As of the latest update, 215 bodies and 143 body parts have been recovered, including 98 males, 87 females, and 30 children. Post-mortem procedures have been completed on most of the recovered remains, with 148 bodies identified by relatives so far.

Rampur Cloudburst: Rescue Operations Intensify

In Rampur, Himachal Pradesh, rescue operations continue following a devastating cloudburst on Thursday. The Indian Army has constructed temporary bridges to restore connectivity and facilitate rescue efforts. Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, Home Guard, and CISF are collaborating to locate the missing and provide relief.

Home Guard Commandant RP Nepta informed that the search operation, which resumed at 7 am today, involves five JCBs and multiple task forces. Efforts are concentrated on areas where local residents have indicated bodies might be found.

The NDRF team conduct a rescue operation after a cloudburst in the Samej Khad of Rampur area in Shimla

Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh reported that approximately 50 people are feared dead in the affected areas, though official numbers will only be confirmed after the completion of rescue operations. The top priority remains retrieving bodies and restoring connectivity.

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As rescue teams work tirelessly in both Wayanad and Rampur, the nation watches with hope and anxiety, awaiting news of further recoveries and the conclusion of these tragic events.