Wayanad Landslides: DNA Tests Completed for Over 400 Body Parts

Two weeks after the tragic Wayanad landslides in the areas of Chooralmala and Mundakai, recovery operations and the identification of bodies are still in progress. Health authorities in Kerala have successfully completed DNA testing on 401 bodies and body parts recovered from these disaster-hit areas, enabling officials to begin identifying the remains.

Comprehensive Search Operations Continue

A large-scale search effort, involving the Army, Special Operations Group, Fire and Rescue Services, Forest Department, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers, has led to the recovery of 349 body parts. These remains have been identified as belonging to 248 individuals, comprising 121 men and 127 women. According to State Revenue Minister K Rajan, 52 of these bodies or parts were so badly decomposed that immediate identification was not possible, necessitating further tests. Meanwhile, the search efforts in the Nilambur area and Chaliyar River on Tuesday uncovered three additional body parts.

Current Status and Ongoing Efforts

Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran provided an update, stating that 231 bodies and approximately 206 body parts have been recovered to date. Currently, 1,505 individuals are residing in 12 relief camps, with 415 samples submitted for DNA testing.

Efforts have also been made to collect blood samples from 115 individuals, including relatives of three Bihar natives. The state authorities are now focused on relocating survivors from these relief camps to temporary shelters. The identification of vacant homes and residential facilities in Wayanad is underway, with Harrison Malayalam labor unions tasked with evaluating the safety and management of 53 ready-to-occupy houses and assessing additional housing options. Plans are being developed for fully equipped temporary settlements in Meppadi, Muppainad, Vythiri, Kalpetta, Muttil, and Ambalavayal, as reported by the news agency ANI.

Housing and Relief Measures

A five-member committee, including panchayat members, revenue officers, and social workers, conducted inspections of rental housing options within local self-government limits on Wednesday. Additionally, the cabinet sub-committee has issued 1,368 certificates through a special campaign to assist disaster victims.

The Devastation of the Wayanad Landslides

The areas of Chooralmala and Mundakai experienced three consecutive landslides in the early hours of July 30, destroying numerous houses and buildings. Many residents were buried under the resulting mudslides. To date, over 400 people have been confirmed dead, with around 100 still missing.