Wayanad disaster | Landslides kill at least 106: Here's what we know so far

Over 400 people are stranded in the area as rescue efforts continue.

Heavy rains triggered massive landslides in various hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad district early on July 30, leaving at least 106 persons dead and sparking apprehensions of possible increase in fatalities due to hundreds of people feared trapped under the debris.

PM Modi spoke to Kerala CM Vijayan and assured all help from the Centre. He also spoke to Union Minister Suresh Gopi about the prevailing situation. PM also spoke to BJP President JP Nadda and asked him to ensure BJP karyakartas do whatever they can to assist in the relief efforts.

• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state government is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that claimed numerous lives and resulted in the widespread destruction of homes and other property. An official notification issued by Chief Secretary V Venu has declared official mourning on July 30 and 31.
• Heavy engineering equipment and rescue dog teams are being airlifted and disaster relief teams have been dispatched by the Indian Coast Guard to provide aid and succour to people after a series of landslides in the hilly areas of Kerala's Wayanad district early Tuesday.
• Fire forces and NDRF have been deployed to the affected area, and an additional NDRF team is reaching Wayanad.
• Two teams of Kannur Defence Security Corps have also been instructed to move to Wayanad to assist in the rescue efforts.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the landslides in parts of Wayanad. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.
• Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan issued a statement, said all government agencies have joined the search and rescue operations.
• National Health Mission -- has opened a control room. Those in need of emergency assistance can contact authorities through these two numbers -- 9656938689 and 8086010833
• Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra extended their condolences on Tuesday for the lives lost in the landslides in Kerala's Wayanad. They urged UDF workers to offer all possible assistance to those affected. Rahul Gandhi also mentioned that he has spoken with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Wayanad district collector, who assured him that rescue operations are ongoing.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweets, "Deeply concerned by the incidents of landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. The NDRF is conducting search and rescue operations on a war footing. The second team is on its way to further strengthen the response operation. My condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured."
• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, following discussions with top officials from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) regarding the landslide situation in Wayanad, announced that the Air Force will join the rescue mission.
• In Rajya Sabha, Union Minister JP Nadda says, "Discussions began here and all the Members expressed their concern over the massive tragedy that has occurred there. I would like to say this is a tragedy of not just Kerala alone, but the entire nation is concerned...Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Government of India is working proactively and doing everything necessary for the relief work in Kerala. On behalf of the Government, I assure you that whatever is needed will be done...PM spoke with the Kerala CM and gave him assurance. Support from central agencies for relief has reached there. Work is being done in coordination with the State Government. Right now, the primary thing is to recover the bodies and save those who can be saved...We should activate Emergency Response System. All of that is being done..."