Wayanad landslides toll rises to 316 deaths, more than 220 missing

Reports said, the number could climb higher, as more than 220 people remain missing. Due to relentless rainfall, rescue operations that were supposed to continue until 4 pm were cut short on Thursday.

The deceased include 30 children.

The casualties and injuries have been reported from  Chooralmala, Attamala, and Mundakkai in Meppadi panchayath.

As many as 9328 affected people, including 19 pregnant women, are now housed at 91 relief camps set up in Meppadi and nearby areas in Wayanad district.

Around 348 buildings, including houses, schools, and shops, were fully damaged in the devastated village.

Rescue and search work with sniffer dogs were called off for the day around 6 pm, and it will resume on Friday morning. sources said.

A military team rescued around 1500 people from the landslide-affected sites in three wards.

The 190-foot Bailey Bridge was constructed by Maj. Seeta Shelka-led Army personnel from Madras Engineering Regiment on a war footing in only 16 hours. The bridge has the capacity to carry 24 tonnes.

Major General Vinod Mathew said the Bailey Bridge will be dedicated to the Wayanad people until construction of the new concrete bridge connecting to Chooralmala and Mundakkai was complete. The Bailey Bridge was airlifted from Delhi, and the structures were unloaded at Kannur International Airport,. while rail structures were brought on 18 military trucks from Bangalore to Wayanad by road.

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