Kerala Health Minister Veena George en Route Wayanad Injured in Car Accident

Wayanad: Kerala Health Minister Veena George's vehicle on Wednesday, July 31, met with a minor accident near Manjeri in Malappuram district while she was on her way to Wayanad.

According to the State Health Department and local police, Veena has suffered minor injuries and is currently being treated at Manjeri Medical College, ANI reported.

As per reports, the incident occurred when her vehicle reportedly swerved to avoid hitting an oncoming scooter. Those on the scooter too were rushed to the hospital.

As per official sources, Veena's car rammed a two-wheeler and came to a stop after hitting the electric post near Manjeri.

The journalist-turned-CPI-M legislator George is expected to resume her journey to the landslide areas later in the day.

This comes as the death toll rose in Waynanad landslides climbed to 153, as per Republic's sources on Wednesday. Meanwhile, around 130 were injured after massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Wayanad.

Multiple agencies, including the NDRF, and the Army have been roped in to carry out the rescue and search operations. For the unversed, three landslides struck Wayanad within a span of four hours on Tuesday. Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha in Wayanad district were some of the worst hit by the landslides. Several people were feared to have been washed away in the Chaliyar river.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said due to the intense rainfall, landslides occurred, and an entire region was destroyed. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said that the Fireforce and NDRF teams were on the scene, and more NDRF teams were on the way to assist.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Kerala government declared state mourning for two days. CM Vijayan said the state government was deeply saddened by the tragic incident that claimed numerous lives and resulted in the widespread destruction of homes and other property. An official notification issued by Chief Secretary V Venu declared official mourning on July 30 and 31. As per protocol, the National Flag will be kept at half-mast and all public functions and celebrations will be cancelled.