K'taka natives missing amid Wayanad tragedy

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: At least two persons from Karnataka are missing in Wayanad district in the backdrop of the landslide.

Landslides struck Mepaddi, Mundakkai and Chooralmala towns in Wayanad district in Kerala in the wee hours of Tuesday, killing at least 123 people. At least 96 are missing and 481 have been rescued, authorities said. Karnataka natives from Somwarpet town in Kodagu district Ratnamma and Rajendra, who had been living in Chooralmala town in Wayanad district for the last four years.

Relatives of the two persons haven’t been able to establish contact with them since Tuesday. Chamarajanagara Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Nag CT told mediapersons that it was indeed possible that Karnataka natives might be present at the affected sites.

“There has been a landslide in Wayanad. Several people have been buried in it. Rescue efforts are underway. Others have been admitted to the hospital. It is possible that some persons from our border districts will have been in the affected areas for the sake of employment or tourism. We are in touch with the district administration in Wayanad. They are relaying information to us continuously,” Nag said.

“Additionally, we have sent two teams, one of which is headed by the tehsildar of Gundlupet (town in Chamarajanagara). They are aiding in the rescue efforts. They are also there to gather information about whether someone from our district is there. There is no need to panic. Our district administration is well prepared to bring your loved ones back home. We have also set up a 24/7 toll-free helpline for this purpose – 08226223160. If your relatives are missing and were in the affected area, call us immediately and pass on the phone number and photo of the missing persons. Along with it, pass on your phone number and address and we will resolve your issues,” she added.