‘She left me alone. Who will take…’: 80-year-old Wayanad landslide survivor recounts her traumatic ordeal | Watch videos

Wayanad landslides survivors from the worst affected regions-Attamala, Mundakkai and Chooralmala-recount the harrowing ordeal. The children who witnessed the traumatic experience get up in the middle of the night, fearing a recurrence of the landslides that wreaked havoc in the hilly district.

Written By Fareha Naaz
Published31 Jul 2024, 12:51 PM IST
Wayanad landslide: Rescue teams helping survivors to move to safe places in Wayanad after a landslide triggered by heavy monsoon rains claimed over 158 lives.
Wayanad landslide: Rescue teams helping survivors to move to safe places in Wayanad after a landslide triggered by heavy monsoon rains claimed over 158 lives.(PTI)

Wayanad: Landslides in the wee hours of Tuesday triggered by torrential rains wreaked havoc in the Mundakkai and Chooramala areas of Vellarimala village, located under the Meppadi Panchayat in the district, claiming the lives of more than 158 people. Many survivors are mute witnesses as they watch the remains of the broken and destroyed houses they once called home.

The incident left a deep impact on the lives of victims and their families, scaring them and leaving their homes and livelihoods buried underneath the rubble. Many of their near and dear ones would never come back, they know.

Also read: Wayanad landslides leave trail of destruction, over 120 killed, hundreds trapped: 10 points

Also Read | Wayanad landslides: Death toll climbs to 158; orange alert issued in Kerala

The traumatic events that unfolded in the wee hours of July 30 left a bewildering void among the kin of the deceased. Amid the pall of gloom, many recounted the midnight turmoil that plunged their lives into the depths of misery.

Survivor from Mundakkai

A survivor from Mundakkai, Pranjeesh, said he heard a loud noise at first. “Around 12:40 am, the landslide occurred. We heard a huge sound. Three members of my family were lost in the landslide that occurred right in front of my house, " PTI quoted Pranjeesh as saying. He added, “Now, we are in a camp and safe. We are eight people. My mother's sister and her family were left behind.”

Also read: Wayanad landslide: Chilling videos and images show flood fury, destruction in Chooralmala | Watch

Also Read | Kerala Health Minister Veena George meets with accident en route to Wayanad

Chooralmala ordeal

Another 40-year-old survivor from Chooralmala, identified as Prasanna, was in tears while recounting her ordeal, as she said that she saw her sister and her family being swept away by the muddy water.

Also Read | Weather update: IMD predicts more rains in Kerala today, Karnataka on red alert

She said, “I could only help my father. I carried him and ran towards the forest. I couldn't help my sister. I couldn't save her. Two of the children ran outside and got washed away. I could hear them screaming. Our house got washed away,” she told PTI.

Prasanna said the children who survived after witnessing the devastating event are unable to sleep. They continue to be haunted by the traumatic experience and wake up in the middle of the night, fearing a recurrence of the landslides.

Also read: Wayanad landslides: Chaliyar River sweeps away bodies, cars as residents search for haven | Watch video

Also Read | Wayanad landslides: Is climate change a trigger? Experts cite THESE issues…

An 80-year-old survivor, identified as Padmavathi, who lost her daughter-in-law, said, "She left me alone. Who will take care of me now. I am all alone," reported PTI.

Relief camps set up in schools, churches, anganwadis, and other available resources are sheltering these survivors, who mainly hail from Attamala, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala in the hilly district bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

 

(With PTI inputs)

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First Published:31 Jul 2024, 12:51 PM IST
Business NewsNews‘She left me alone. Who will take…’: 80-year-old Wayanad landslide survivor recounts her traumatic ordeal | Watch videos

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