Wayanad Landslides: Death Toll Hits 308 as Centre Blames Illegal Activities

Wayanad landslides death toll reaches 308 as Union Minister blames illegal mining and human habitation for the tragedy. Kerala government sets up relief camps for displaced residents.

The death toll from the devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, has risen to 308 as rescue and relief operations enter their seventh day. Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav has attributed the tragedy to "illegal mining activity and illegal human habitation" allegedly occurring under the protection of the local government.

Yadav criticized local politicians for providing "illegal protection to illegal human habitation" and allowing encroachment in highly sensitive areas. He announced that a committee headed by former Director General of Forests Sanjay Kumar has been constituted to investigate the matter.

In response to the disaster, Kerala authorities have established 53 relief camps in Wayanad, accommodating 6,759 displaced individuals, including 2,501 males, 2,677 females, 1,581 children, and 20 pregnant women. The state government has set up additional camps in various locations, including schools and colleges in affected areas.

The landslides, which occurred on July 30, devastated the areas of Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Wayanad. To date, 220 bodies and several body parts have been recovered, with 180 people still missing. A mass burial of the deceased was carried out on Sunday night.

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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated last week that there was no hope of finding more survivors. The Chief Minister's Office has ordered night patrolling in affected areas and warned of action against trespassers in victims' houses or properties.

As the region grapples with this tragedy, questions arise about environmental management and urban planning in sensitive ecological zones. The incident highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such disasters in the future.