Wayanad landslides claim 290 lives; Schools closed in seven districts of Kerala

New Delhi: In anticipation of heavy rains, all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and tuition centers, in Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts will remain closed on Friday, August 2. This decision follows the India Meteorological Department of Kerala's issuance of an 'orange' alert in Wayanad, a district already devastated by massive landslides.

Palakkad district has also announced a holiday for schools, anganwadis, tuition centers, and madrassas on Friday, according to Onmanorama. However, colleges and residential schools like Navodaya are permitted to operate.

Weather and emergency updates

Thrissur's district collector, Arjun Pandian, ordered the closure due to ongoing heavy rain, strong winds, and waterlogging, which have severely disrupted daily life. Many schools in Thrissur are functioning as relief camps. Examinations and interviews will proceed as scheduled in all affected districts.

In Idukki and Ernakulam, schools used as relief camps will remain closed on Friday. The India Meteorological Department forecasts that heavy rains will continue in Kerala until August 5.

Wayanad landslides and rescue efforts

In Wayanad, rescuers are working under challenging conditions to find survivors trapped in collapsed buildings three days after landslides hit the region. Although unconfirmed reports suggested 290 deaths, Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan confirmed at least 190 fatalities. The toll is expected to rise as many remain missing.

The Wayanad district administration reported that the deceased include 27 children and 76 women, with more than 225 people injured, primarily in Mundakkai and Chooralmala. Rescue operations face numerous obstacles, including treacherous terrain, damaged infrastructure, and a lack of heavy equipment needed to clear debris and uproot trees.

Army assistance and political visits

The Indian Army has swiftly completed the construction of the Cl 24 Bailey Bridge, which connects Chooralmala with Mundakkai over the Iruvanipzha River. This bridge, now open to traffic, has been handed over to the Civil Administration.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP, along with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, visited the landslide site at Chooralmala, Wayanad. Addressing the media, Rahul Gandhi described the situation as a terrible tragedy for Wayanad, emphasizing the urgent need for further action.