In a devastating incident, massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday morning, leading to the recovery of at least 40 bodies. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has mobilized Fireforce and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to the affected region, where hundreds are feared trapped. Heavy rainfall has severely hampered rescue operations.The landslides have buried numerous houses, shops, and vehicles under debris in Mundakkai, with reports suggesting that many people were swept away into the Chaliyar River, which flows into the Nilambur region of Malappuram. A bridge leading to the disaster area has been washed away, complicating rescue efforts further. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced plans to seek army assistance to construct a temporary bridge, evacuate survivors by helicopter, and ensure that necessary arrangements are made at the disaster site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his concern, stating, “My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones, and my prayers are with the injured.” He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. Leader of Opposition and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolences, urging for effective coordination among agencies, the establishment of a control room, and prompt updates on relief efforts.