At least 156 people have been killed, and over 180 injured after massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Wayanad. Government data indicates that over 100 people are feared to be trapped under debris, prompting multiple agencies and the Army to race against time to save as many lives as possible.

The landslides hit Wayanad within a span of four hours on Tuesday amid heavy rain, causing widespread destruction in the villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha. Several individuals were swept away by the Chaliyar river.

On Wednesday, district authorities began collecting data to determine the number of people missing. A special team from the District Emergency Operation Centre is compiling information on residents in the affected areas, those found after the landslide, and those still missing, according to news agency PTI.

The Army has rescued over 1,000 people using a temporary bridge after a permanent bridge in the district was washed away by the heavy rains that triggered the landslides. A senior Army official told PTI that they had been on alert for the past 15 days and were contacted by the Kerala government on Tuesday.

A total of 45 relief camps have been set up in Wayanad, accommodating 3,069 people, PTI reported. Additionally, 225 Army personnel, including medical teams, are deployed for rescue operations in the district.

Around 140 Army personnel are on standby in Thiruvananthapuram, as reported by news agency ANI. Two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17 and an ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter), have also been deployed for rescue efforts. The Kerala Health Minister stated that a team from the Indian Navy would assist in the operations, and several sniffer dogs are being brought from New Delhi to aid in the search and rescue missions.

An NDRF personnel informed ANI that there were chances of another landslide as heavy rainfall continued in the district. In response to the crisis, a control room has been established, and helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 have been issued for emergency assistance. A control center has been set up in Calicut under the Para Regiment to monitor all relief operations.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were scheduled to visit Wayanad on Wednesday but had to cancel due to adverse weather conditions preventing them from landing. Rahul Gandhi expressed his concern on social media, stating that they would visit as soon as possible and continue to monitor the situation closely, providing necessary assistance.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced Rs 5 crore in assistance to the Kerala government. Additionally, two senior IAS officers from the Tamil Nadu cadre have been appointed to assist with the rescue and relief operations.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, originally from Kerala, arrived in Calicut on Tuesday night to assess the rescue operations in Wayanad. He is scheduled to visit hospitals and relief camps to facilitate rescue and relief efforts.