Wayanad Landslide: Death Toll Surges To 106; Rescue Operations Underway

At least 106 people have been killed in the major landslide that struck Kerala's Wayanad in the early hours of Tuesday. More than 120 people are injured and have been admitted to various hospitals in Wayanad. At the same time, several were feared trapped under mud and debris caused by the landslide. The landslides occurred between 2 am and 4 am, mainly impacting Mundakkai and Chooralmala. 

Relief efforts, led by NDRF and Army personnel, are ongoing in the region. The Indian Air Force chopper from Sulur has reached Chooralmala and began airlifting people stranded in the region. At the same time, 16 bodies have been found in the Chaliyar river, which flows into neighbouring Malappuram district. 

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a press conference that 93 bodies have been recovered and 34 bodies have been identified. Meanwhile, Kerala has declared two days of official mourning, and public events and celebrations have been postponed. Earlier on the day, the Prime Minister's Office announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed in the landslide. Notably, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also announced Rs 5 crore for rescue and rehabilitation. The Tamil Nadu government also announced that they will send two teams of IAS officers to Kerala, along with a medical team.