On the early morning of Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the serene hills of Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district were violently transformed by a series of catastrophic landslides. Between 2 AM and 4 AM, nature’s fury unleashed an unprecedented wave of destruction, causing immense loss of life and widespread devastation.

A Community in Ruins

In a matter of moments, entire villages—Mundakai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha—were buried under massive debris. The picturesque regions of Mundakai and Chooralmala suffered the heaviest damage, with roads blocked, terrain rendered unstable, and critical infrastructure obliterated. Homes, shops, and vehicles have been swallowed by the earth, and a crucial bridge washed away, cutting off access to the affected areas.

The Human Cost

The toll is staggering: around 256 lives have been lost, and countless more remain missing. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are working tirelessly, but the enormity of the disaster means that hundreds are still feared trapped under the rubble. Rescuers face blocked roads, unstable ground, and ongoing threats from the fragile terrain.

Time is Running Out

Rescue efforts are hampered by every passing minute. Families are stranded in isolated areas like Threevalley Resort, Mundakai School, and Mundakai Ground. The scale of the disaster has been immense, and rescue operations are ongoing to recover those still trapped. Officials warn that the death toll could potentially double as search and rescue efforts continue.

Government and Community Response

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has called for army assistance to construct a temporary bridge and evacuate the trapped by helicopter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged central government support, announcing financial aid for the families of the deceased and injured. Local NGOs are on the ground, utilizing drones to assess the situation and address critical shortages, such as freezers for unidentified bodies.

Caritas India Steps In

Caritas India is actively assessing the situation in the affected areas to identify the immediate needs and plan its humanitarian response. In this profound crisis, we need your support more than ever. The people of Wayanad desperately need immediate relief and long-term assistance.