Vidushi Gaur/New Delhi

The death toll in the Wayanad landslide disaster has reached 297, with 206 people still missing. In Himachal Pradesh, a cloudburst in Rampur Bushahr has left 49 people missing and resulted in four deaths.

Rescue operations in Wayanad, now in their fourth day, continue to search for survivors amidst the devastation. Over a thousand rescue personnel from various forces, along with locals, are tirelessly working in nine groups to locate the missing. The worst-affected areas include Churalpara, Velarimala, Mundakayil, and Punchirimadom.

A 190-foot Bailey Bridge has been erected, restoring connectivity between Churalmalai and Mundakayil. Sniffer dogs and heavy earth-moving equipment have been deployed in the search efforts. The Indian Army recently found four people, including two women, alive in the debris in Padavetti Kunnu. These individuals were evacuated with the help of an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

Rescue operation underway after a landslide triggered by heavy monsoon rains, Wayanad district.

Kerala ADGP (Law and Order) MR Ajith Kumar stated that various teams, including the Indian Army, NDRF, local police, and special operations groups, are operating in the area. Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed 308 deaths, with 195 bodies and 113 body parts recovered. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, providing quick evacuation, basic amenities, and medical assistance.

Himachal Pradesh's State Minister, Rajesh Dharmani, reported extensive property damage and emphasized the ongoing search operations. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is monitoring the situation closely, with State Minister Jagat Singh Negi on site and NDRF, Army, and other teams actively involved in rescue efforts.

#Restoration works are underway in #HimachalPradesh's #RampurBushahr where an incident of #cloudburst occurred, yesterday.
According to State Minister Rajesh Dharmani, 4 people have #died and 49 are still #missing.

🗞️ Catch the day's latest news and updates ➠… pic.twitter.com/qwCteYQXRG

— Economic Times (@EconomicTimes) August 2, 2024

NDRF Assistant Commandant Karam Singh noted that around 20-25 houses, a power plant, and a dispensary were in the vicinity of the cloudburst. The rescue operations involve multiple agencies, including the Indian Army and CISF. Restoration work is also underway to repair damaged roads and infrastructure. The Himachal Pradesh Police DGP has reviewed communication and monitoring devices for effective disaster mitigation.

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These severe weather events have caused significant disruption and loss of life in both Wayanad and Himachal Pradesh, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive disaster response and preparedness in these regions.