Thiruvananthapuram: A high-level meeting was held under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday to coordinate rescue operations in the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad and discuss further steps on it. In the meeting, the Chief Minister assessed the rescue operations. The Chief Minister also reviewed the coordination with the central government agencies, the deployment of disaster response forces, health and safety precautions, and the facilities in the relief camps. The Chief Minister attended the meeting at the office of the Disaster Management Authority, which coordinates rescue operations at the state level. Chief Secretary Dr V Venu, Home Additional Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha, Health Department Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Rajan Khobragade, Revenue Principal Secretary Tinku Biswal, Finance Principal Secretary Rabindra Kumar Aggarwal, State Police Chief Sheikh Darvesh Sahib, ADGP Intelligence Manoj Abraham, Public Works Secretary K. Biju attended the meeting. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Tuesday that 93 bodies have been recovered and 128 people have been injured after massive landslides hit hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad district. He further said that 3,069 people are in 45 relief camps in Wayanad alone, and five ministers are coordinating the efforts of the relief and rescue operations. Addressing the press conference, Vijayan said, "The landslide in Wayanad is a heart-wrenching disaster. There was extremely heavy rainfall. An entire area has been wiped out. We have recovered 93 bodies so far, but the numbers may change. There are 128 people receiving treatment for injuries. Many who went to sleep last night have been swept away." Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered assistance after 93 people died and 128 were injured following massive landslides in Wayanad. "Upon learning of the disaster, both the Prime Minister and Rahul Gandhi, along with various party leaders, have offered their assistance. They have assured us that we will work together to address this crisis," he said. The chief minister said that the state government has arranged the best possible treatment for the injured, adding that several people are still trapped under the debris and rescue operations are underway. "Many people are still trapped under the debris. We have opened 45 relief camps in Wayanad and a total of 118 camps across the state, accommodating 5,531 people. The fire force, NDRF, and police are working together. Various divisions of the Army and Navy are coordinating the rescue operations," he added. Elaborating about the relief operations, said, "321 members of the Fire Force have been deployed in Wayanad. The services of the Army have also been made available. An NDRF team of 60 members has reached Wayanad, and an 89-member team from Bengaluru is on the way." Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the deaths saying that the landslide incident in Wayanad is a heart-wrenching disaster. "Additional Kaniv 108 ambulances have been brought in. 3,069 people are in relief camps in Wayanad alone. Five ministers are coordinating the efforts. Due to adverse weather conditions, people were relocated, and an orange alert was declared. A dog squad will be arriving for the rescue operations," he said.
