CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Rescue operations are continuing in Wayanad for day seven in landslide-affected areas. Over 1,500 personnel, including volunteers, have been deployed to recover missing persons in Mundakkai and Chooralmala. As of Monday, the death toll increased to 385 and over 180 persons are still missing.
According to district authorities, the affected areas have been classified into six zones and intensified search is being carried out in the area. Only rescue personnel are being allowed to bailey bridge following complaints of theft at some houses. Search operations are also being conducted along the Chaliyar river for bodies.
Drones and cadaver dogs are being used to identify bodies stuck under debris. A mass burial of unidentified bodies will be conducted at Puthumala on Monday. As many as 25 unidentified bodies and body parts were buried on Sunday.
Revenue Minister K. Rajan said a list of missing persons will be prepared and ASHA and anganwadi workers will be utilised for the purpose. He added special arrangements will be made for reissuing certificates to affected. Meanwhile, schools were reopened in Wayanad except for institutions where relief camps were functioning.
Over 2,500 persons are sheltered in 16 relief camps at Wayanad. In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Office said 2,514 people belonging to 723 families are residing in camps. Among them, 943 are male, 972 are female, and 599 are children, PTI reported. Six pregnant women are also residing in camps.