Tragedy in Kerala: The Chaliyar River's Destruction Post-Landslides

The Chaliyar River, vital to Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode in Kerala, faced devastation from landslides on July 30. Rescue efforts have uncovered 73 bodies and 132 body parts. The death toll stands at 219. Extensive operations by various forces continue to find more victims along the river.

The Chaliyar River, a crucial waterway for residents in Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode, Kerala, has turned into a grim reminder of nature's fury after landslides struck Wayanad on July 30.

Historically nurturing the communities along its 169-km course, the river now laments its lost serenity, bearing the burden of those claimed by the catastrophe.

Rescue teams, including the Navy, police, Fire and Rescue, and the NDRF, have recovered 73 bodies and 132 body parts from the river, adding to a confirmed total of 205. The search continues along a 40-km stretch of the river.

Autopsies of 198 identified bodies and parts have been completed, and most have been transported to Wayanad for further procedures, with three claimed by relatives. The death toll has now reached 219.

The state has intensified efforts, involving hundreds of personnel from various agencies, including the Army, Navy, Special Operation Group, and Coast Guard, to aid in the search and rescue operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)