A photo frame amid mud at a damaged home after a landslide. No information was immediately available about the people in the photo.
Wayanad: Collapsed buildings, huge pits filled with mud, cracked ground with huge rocks scattered on it. This was the scene everywhere on Wednesday morning at Mundakkai junction in Wayanad, Kerala and its nearby town Choorlamalla. The devastation here has turned them into ghost towns. Before being hit by the landslide on Tuesday morning, Mundakkai junction and Choorlamalla used to be bustling with tourists and locals.
devastation caused by landslides
Giant stones caused destruction in Churmala
In fact, Churlamalla, famous for its natural beauty and beautiful waterfalls, was a favorite tourist destination. Suchipara Falls, Vellolippara and Sita Lake in Churlamalla were some of the places where people often came to spend their holidays. The landslide has caused such devastation due to the flood of mud and debris and huge stones that the map of this place has changed and now it is difficult for anyone to believe that this place used to be very beautiful till a few days ago. Amidst the devastation caused by the landslide, distraught people can be seen searching for their loved ones in the damaged buildings and debris.
House destroyed in Mundakkai
Elderly people are desperately looking for their loved ones in Mundakkai
An elderly man trying to find his loved ones in Mundakkai tried to control himself and said, “We have lost everything…everything…nothing is left for us here.” He has lost his family members and is now frantically looking for them. Another man, wiping his tears, said, “Mundakkai has been wiped off the map of Wayanad. There is nothing left here. You can see…there is nothing here except mud and stones. This layer of mud is so solid that we cannot even walk on it properly…then how will we find our loved ones buried under it?”
Wayanad landslide
All houses destroyed in Mundakkai
According to unofficial figures, there were around 450-500 houses in Mundakkai but now only 34-49 are left in the area. A massive landslide triggered by torrential rains on Tuesday morning hit the picturesque villages of Mundakkai, Choorlamalla, Attamala and Noolpuzha, killing many people including women and children. Various rescue agencies resumed their operation early in the morning to find out the casualties in the tragedy. So far 158 people have been confirmed dead in the tragedy. The death toll is expected to rise as many people are still trapped under the debris.
landslide havoc
Devastation wreaked on earth from the sky
Meanwhile, students of a government higher secondary school in Meppadi, Wayanad are working hard to provide food and relief material to the landslide survivors staying in relief camps. The teachers of the school are also playing an important role and are supporting as well as motivating the students. Many students are part of NSS (National Service Scheme) and NCC (National Cadet Corps) programmes. Despite the immense struggle and loss faced by the people living in the camps, the selfless efforts of the students are highly commendable. They (students) are not only helping but also comforting the people.
Choorlamala
Aldriya, a student volunteer, said, “The people living here are our friends and their families. We are very sad about this incident, but I am happy to help.” Another student Anantmegh said, “It is not only NSS and NCC but other students of the school are also volunteering here.”
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