IndiGo and SpiceJet cancelled four flights to Leh due to an unprecedented heat wave, marking four consecutive days of disruptions. Temperatures over 32°C at Leh Airport, situated 3.3 km above sea level, caused operational issues. This is reportedly the first time extreme heat has led to such cancellations at this high-altitude airport.
Over 300 military personnel have joined the rescue operation with the NDRF, SDRF and other local emergency teams in Wayanad.
Hundreds more are feared trapped with government agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army and local residents carrying out the rescue operation in the affected areas.
Naval teams and helicopters from the Air Force were mobilised to assist in search-and-rescue efforts late last evening. Defence Ministry officials said disaster relief teams have also been dispatched and rescue dog teams are being airlifted.
Kerala has been battered by incessant rain in the region, with blocked roads complicating relief efforts. The state recorded 372 mm rainfall in 24 hours before three landslides hit Wayanad district in four hours.
The weather department has predicted more rain for Wayanad and several other districts over the next couple of days. This alert has been issued for Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod districts. Four districts are under orange alert — Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan this morning and assured all help to the LDF government. He has also asked BJP chief JP Nadda to ensure that party workers assist in rescue work.
The Prime Minister’s Office has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed in the calamity. Those injured would be given Rs 50,000.
Among the affected areas are Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala and Noolpuzha, authorities have said. Many roads have collapsed and a bridge has been swept away and several areas have become unreachable.
The landslides have left a trail of destruction with several houses destroyed, water bodies swollen and trees uprooted. The picturesque villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha have been cut off from other areas, leaving many stranded.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting last evening to take stock of the rescue operations and review health and safety arrangements at the relief camps.
The state Health Department has also opened a control room. Those in need of emergency assistance can contact authorities on helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833.
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