On July 30, landslides in various hilly areas near Meppadi in Wayanad district of Kerala caused massive destruction. So far, more than 300 people have died due to this natural disaster, while hundreds are injured. The army’s relief and rescue operations in the landslide-affected areas of Choorlamalla and Mundakkai are continuing for the seventh day. Many people are still feared to be trapped under the debris. More than two and a half thousand people are staying in various relief camps.
Over 2,500 people, including 599 children and six pregnant women, are staying in various relief camps in Kerala’s Wayanad, an official said on Monday.
The camp became a support for 723 families
According to the latest official data released by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), there are a total of 16 rescue camps in Mepadi and other gram panchayats in the hill district where landslide-affected people are staying. Around 2,514 people from 723 families are staying in the camps. Of these, 943 are men, 972 are women and 599 are children.
According to the CMO, out of the total women living in relief camps, six are pregnant. According to the Health Ministry, the death toll in the major landslide that occurred in Choorlamala and Mundakkai in Wayanad on July 30 is 308 till August 2. According to the latest update, 220 bodies were recovered. 180 people were missing till Sunday.
A plan should be made for eco-sensitive zone
Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav said on the incident of Wayanad landslide, ‘The biggest thing in this is that according to the news coming in the local newspapers, the state government should take some steps regarding the illegal settlements that have been built under the protection of the state government and make a plan for the eco-sensitive zone. Such illegal activities and mining should not happen in the eco-sensitive zone, it has caused a lot of damage there. We have formed a committee under the chairmanship of former Forest Director General Sanjay Kumar. Illegal human habitation and illegal mining activity has taken place under the protection of the local government.’