Kozhikode District Battered by Landslides, Floods; Man Missing, Several Roads Washed Away

Kozhikode (Kerala): A man is missing, several houses are damaged, and bridges and roads have been washed away following a severe landslide in Vilangadu and Malayangadu areas in northern Kozhikode district on Tuesday. Heavy rains triggered a series of massive landslides in the hilly areas of neighbouring Wayanad district early on Tuesday, leaving over 80 people dead and sparking apprehensions of a possible increase in fatalities due to hundreds of people feared being trapped under the debris.

Search and Rescue Operations Underway

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has launched a search mission for the missing man. In Kozhikode, landslides and mudslides were reported in Maruthongara village and along the Kaithappoyil-Anorammal road. The Malayangadu bridge was washed away, cutting off 15 families from the main area.

Relief Efforts and Evacuations

Residents living along the riverbanks have been relocated to relief camps as rescue operations continue with the assistance of the NDRF team. The Kakkayam Dam’s shutters were raised due to rising water levels, prompting authorities to advise vigilance along the Kuttiyadi river.

Water Levels Rise in Multiple Waterbodies

In addition to the Kuttiyadi river, water levels have dangerously increased in other local waterbodies including Chaliyar, Cherupuzha, and Mahipuzha.

Precautionary Measures and Impact

Tourist centers have been closed, and quarry and mining activities have been halted in the district. Currently, 854 people from 196 families have been moved to 41 relief camps.

Wayanad Landslide

Over 80 people were killed in the landslides that hit Kerala's hilly Wayanad district on Tuesday. Additionally, hundreds are feared to be trapped, but the authorities have not confirmed the same.

State Revenue Minister K Rajan said that over 70 persons who were injured in the landslides have been admitted to various hospitals.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the incident and said that he spoke to Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre to the state.

"Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured.

"Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there," Modi said in a post on social media platform X.

Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages were among the areas affected and cut off by the landslides, authorities said.

The landslide, which occurred early on Tuesday, has left a trail of destruction in its wake, with several houses destroyed, water bodies swollen and trees uprooted.