THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The disaster struck in the early hours of the morning, a series of massive landslides in Kerala's hilly Wayanad district, resulting in at least 45 deaths and raising fears of more fatalities as many people are believed to be trapped under the debris. Victims who were caught off-guard in their sleep were not alerted and could not reach for help and rescue teams raced against time to save survivors. 

In very early estimates, District Collector Meghasree D R reported that the death toll had reached 45. She confirmed that 36 deaths were related to the landslide in Chooralmala and nine bodies were recovered from the Chaliyar River in Malappuram. The villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha were heavily impacted and cut off by the landslides, according to authorities.  She has also warned downstream residents to be cautious following the opening of the Banasura Sagar dam shutter.

As per local news channels, of those killed, four people, including a child, who died in Chooralmala town, and another one-year-old child from a Nepali family died in Thondernad village. Three bodies, including a five-year-old, were found near Pothukal village. The news channel footage also showed that the landslides left widespread destruction, with houses destroyed, water bodies swollen, and trees uprooted, hindering rescue operations. Once picturesque villages like Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha were now scenes of devastation.

Rescue teams, including the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state police, and fire forces, worked tirelessly to evacuate those stranded. Despite the absence of confirmation, hundreds are feared to be trapped. The deceased were being taken to various hospital morgues for identification and autopsy.  State Revenue Minister K Rajan reported that over 70 people injured in the landslides had been hospitalized till early Tuesday morning. 

Desperate phone calls from people pleading for help highlighted the severity of the disaster, with television channels airing heart-wrenching conversations of trapped individuals unable to escape due to destroyed infrastructure, In one conversation, a woman from Chooralmala was heard crying for help with a family member being trapped under debris.

The Kerala government sought assistance from the Indian Army for rescue operations. A Defence PRO announced the mobilization of 43 personnel, led by the Second-in-Command from the 122 Infantry Battalion (TA) MADRAS, to assist in the rescue efforts.

Kerala Chief Minister Vijayan stated on Facebook that two Air Force helicopters would depart for Wayanad from Sulur (Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu) to assist in search and rescue operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed concern and spoke to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, assuring all possible assistance from the Centre. He posted on X, "Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured."