As the Wayanad landslide toll reached 84, Kerala Chief Secretary, Dr V Venu, in a statement said that taking into account the grave tragedy, the state will observe two days’ official mourning on Tuesday and Wednesday.
On both these days the National Flag will fly at half mast and all official engagements of the Kerala government have been postponed.
The state government expressed deep sadness over the landslide that occurred at Churalmala in the wee hours of Tuesday leaving 84 dead, many injured and missing and causing huge destruction of public and private property.
The worst affected areas are Churalpara, Velarimala, Mundakayil and Pothukalu and the locals from these areas who managed to escape are shattered as hundreds of homes have been totally buried or destroyed.
Rescue operations under the aegis of the NDRF, Navy, Army, police and the fire department along with the local people, are continuing.
A special ropeway has now been put up at Churalmala and the rescue teams have managed to reach the marooned area. They hope to rescue the people trapped in the area shortly.
Meanwhile, rescue teams are now arriving with more men and material to erect a Bailey Bridge at Churalmala where a bridge was swept away during the landslide.
A 50-member Naval team from Kochi with expertise in crossing swollen water bodies have started their work.
Meanwhile, food packets and medicines have also started to arrive and are being given to people who have been badly affected by nature’s fury.
The Centre is closely monitoring the operations and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has deputed Union Minister of State for Fisheries, George Kurian, to Wayanad to coordinate the rescue and relief operations.
US Congress to certify Trump winner of 2024 election
The US Congress on Monday will certify President-elect Donald Trump's victory in the November 2024 election, peacefully wrapping up a ritual his supporters had tried to prevent in 2021 in the misleading belief that he had been cheated of a win.
Enrolment of new women voters in Tripura higher than of men: Officials
Enrolment of new women voters in Tripura, at 2,166, has been more than that of new male voters, leading to an increase of the gender ratio to 993 in the final electoral rolls from 991 of the draft electoral rolls, officials said here on Monday.
Beginning of the end for Trudeau and his vindictive anti-India politics
The ties between India and Canada soured after Trudeau alleged in the Canadian Parliament last year that he has "credible allegations" of India's hand in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India prepared to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges: J.P. Nadda on HMPV
India’s surveillance network remains vigilant and the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said on Monday, as the number of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country reached five in a single day.
Justin Trudeau to step down as Canadian Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau on Monday announced that he will step down as the Canadian Prime Minister and Liberal leader once his party has chosen a new leader.
Glad to know about Microsoft's ambitious expansion, investment plans in India: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who met Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella on Monday, said he was glad to know about the tech giant’s ambitious expansion and investment plans in India.
Sullivan meets NSA Doval, highlights US efforts to bolster civil nuclear cooperation with India
US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan on Monday emphasised efforts of the outgoing Biden administration in finalising necessary steps to delist Indian nuclear entities to promote civil nuclear cooperation and resilient clean energy supply chains.
Two children test positive for HMPV in Chennai, recovering
Two children in Chennai have tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and are recovering, officials said on Monday. Doctors stated that both cases are linked to common respiratory symptoms such as fever, cold, and cough.