Relentless Rescue Efforts and Controversies Amid Wayanad Landslides

Rescue operations in Wayanad continued for the sixth day as authorities intensified efforts to recover bodies and prepared a mass grave for unidentified remains. Discussions arose on donations and the classification of the natural calamity as a 'national disaster'. Advanced detection systems and various forces were deployed in the search and rescue missions.

As rescue operations in Wayanad's landslide-hit areas continued for the sixth consecutive day on Sunday, authorities redoubled efforts to recover bodies and set up a mass grave for unidentified remains. Discussions concerning the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund and whether the calamity should be designated a 'national disaster' have also emerged.

On Sunday, additional personnel and equipment were deployed in high-probability areas for locating bodies. A drone-based Intelligent Buried Object Detection System was utilized to pinpoint locations where bodies might be buried under large boulders or logs.

Hundreds of personnel from various forces, including the NDRF, K-9 Dog Squad, Army, and others, stepped up rescue operations. State Revenue Minister K Rajan reported the recovery of 221 bodies and 166 body parts so far, with the number of missing persons now at 180.

The Chaliyar river, flowing through Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode, has become a symbol of destruction, with many bodies and body parts found along its banks. The total recovery from the river stands at 75 bodies and 142 body parts.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan commended the rescue efforts of police and the fire force. Meanwhile, a recording of a call by Neethu Jojo, a woman who alerted emergency services but lost her life in the disaster, has gone viral, highlighting the tragic human cost of the landslides.

Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi visited Wayanad and noted that the legality of classifying the landslides as a 'national disaster' would be examined. Senior BJP leader V Muraleedharan clarified that there exists no concept of declaring a natural calamity a 'national disaster' under current government guidelines.

The Kerala government responded to criticism regarding the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund by setting up a temporary complaint redressal cell to ensure transparency in fund utilization. Congress MLAs pledged their one month's salary to the fund to aid in relief and rehabilitation efforts.

A model project for a safe township for landslide survivors has been proposed, and preparations are underway for the mass burial of unclaimed remains. As of Sunday, eight bodies were buried in a specially prepared graveyard.

(With inputs from agencies.)