While Kerala is usually loved for its monsoons, the recent bout of relentless rain across the state has claimed many lives and left a lot more unaccounted for or displaced. Two massive landslides occurred within a short span of two hours in Wayanad's Meppadi locale, early on Tuesday 30th July 2024, triggered by the torrential rainfall over the previous two days. Currently, the death toll has risen to 160+, while close to 200 people were injured, and almost 100 people are still reported missing. Others who live in the affected area and beyond, have lost their homes and properties.
Owing to the region’s hilly terrain, the ongoing rescue operations by the Indian Coast Guard have faced difficulties reaching the people living in the worst hit areas. The authorities have issued a warning, stating that there is a significant chance that more landslides will happen in the area again. A red-alert has also been declared for most districts across Kerala.
Emergency Helplines:
If someone you know is unaccounted for, or stuck in an affected area, the following are verified helpline numbers:
Toll free number: 1077
District Emergency Operations Centre - 04936204151, 9562804151, 8078409770
Emergency Assistance - 9656938689, 8086010833.
Aid & Relief Initiatives:
People and organisations across Kerala have come together to set up distaster relief initiatives that are sending essential items such as clothing, blankets, food, medicines, sanitary napkins and more, to those affected. Currently, those working on the ground are requesting contribution directly to the distress relief fund set up the state goverment for rehabiliation.
So no matter where you are, if you would like to contribute to the aid and relief efforts, you can contribute to the verified account below:
Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund:
Account Number: 67319948232
Name of Donee: Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund
Bank: State Bank of India Branch: City Branch, Thiruvananthapuram
IFSC : SBIN0070028
SWIFT CODE: SBININBBT08
Account Type: Savings
PAN: AAAGD0584M
www.donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in
If you’ve been following the developing stories from Wayanad and want to do your part, you can help by contributing to the state government’s relief fund, or donating necessary items to organisations working towards this in your respective city. If nothing else, please try and amplify this feature, to help reach more people.
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