Muscat: The Indian expatriates hailing from the southern state of Kerala, particularly those from the Wayanad district, are engulfed in a profound sense of grief and sorrow following the catastrophic landslides that occurred on Tuesday morning, resulting in the loss of over 150 lives to date.
The death toll continues to escalate as search and rescue efforts are ramped up. Authorities have reported that numerous individuals remain unaccounted for, and it is anticipated that the number of fatalities will rise further.
In response to the disaster, numerous relief teams have been dispatched to assist in the evacuation of the injured and in the search for the missing.
Among the expatriate community in Oman, there is a collective mourning for those who have perished in the calamity.
The landslides struck with a ferocity early on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, primarily affecting the hilly regions of Meppadi panchayat.
The devastation was widespread, impacting several villages including Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha in the Wayanad district. The catastrophe unfolded during the early hours of the morning, catching many residents off guard and resulting in the destruction of entire communities, marking it as one of the most severe disasters to have struck Kerala since the devastating floods of 2018.
Asharaf, a 27-year-old expatriate from Noolpuzha who has been residing in Oman for the past five years, has been deeply affected by the loss.
He shared his sentiments: “While the loss of life is tragic, those who have survived have been left with nothing. The process of rebuilding will be arduous, requiring hundreds of families to begin anew.”
Basheer, another expatriate from Wayanad, expressed his sorrow upon learning of the landslides.
He recounted: “Some of my relatives' homes were buried under the debris, while others were submerged in floodwaters. Many found themselves trapped in the floodwaters after initially escaping the impact of the landslides.”
He and his companions are diligently following the situation through updates provided by television and social media.
Wayanad, renowned for its tea plantations, is a region that frequently endures floods during the monsoon season, characterized by relentless rainfall over several days. The continuous downpour has led to the loss of 164 lives, with hundreds more still missing.
The Indian expatriate community in Oman has united in support of their fellow Keralites during this time of crisis.
