A devastating landslide in the hilly areas near Meppadi has claimed at least 45 lives and injured over 70 people early Tuesday. The disaster struck between 2 am and 4 am, affecting the regions of Mundakai and Chooralmala. Government sources report that 250 individuals have been rescued so far from the impacted areas. Rescue operations are being led by the Army and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). However, efforts in Mundakai are hindered by blocked roads and unstable terrain.
In Chooralmala, a total of 250 personnel from Fire and Rescue, Civil Defence, NDRF, and local teams are actively engaged in rescue operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed profound concern over the tragedy and assured that the Central government will provide all necessary support to address the crisis. The Kerala Health Department has established a control room and released an emergency contact number to assist those affected by the landslides and related rain-induced disasters.