Why Chooralmala, Mundakkai's Geographical Position Makes The Rescue Operation Difficult
Major landslides struck Meppadi, Mundakkai Town, and Chooralmala in the early hours of Tuesday, killing at least 63 people. After the devastating landslides, the Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas have turned into unfamiliar regions even to the natives.
Aerial footage of the landslide in Chooralmala reveals shocking scenes of the uprooted terrain. The regions are strewn with ruined houses, swollen rivers, massive piles of logs, large boulders, mud, and debris, all highlighting the scale of destruction.
Read also: Massive Landslide In Kerala’s Wayanad: At Least 63 Died; Hundreds Trapped
Mundakkai village is geographically situated on one side of the Irivazhnji Puzha (river). Waterlogging was reported in areas that are comparatively considered to be situated on higher terrain. A bridge that connected the towns of Mundakkai and Chooralmala was destroyed in the landslide.
The severity of the catastrophe is unimaginable, as bodies of the dead in the massive landslide in Wayanad were recovered from the Chaliyar river in Kerala’s Malappuram district. The bodies are said to have reached the Chaliyar river through the route of Soochipara waterfalls.
Heavy rain in the region is hampering rescue operations. A helicopter that left for rescue operations in Wayanad had to detour to Kozhikode.
The Mundekkai and Attamala regions remain completely isolated. According to local media reports, over 400 families have been left stranded in these areas. More than 100 people are trapped in the Mundakkai Tree Valley resort. With the Chooralmala bridge—the only bridge to the Mundakkai Attamala area—and the main road washed away, rescue operations have become extremely difficult. Rescuers will have to opt for airlifting or other alternatives to evacuate the isolated individuals.
Read also: 225 Army Personnel Deployed In Wayanad For Rescue Operations
Currently, a 250-member NDRF team is carrying out rescue operations in the areas beyond the Chooralmala river. With the construction of a temporary bridge, the rescue operation is expected to progress.
