- By Vivek Raj
- Sun, 04 Aug 2024 09:07 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Residents of landslide-devastated villages in Kerala's Wayanad district have reported thefts from their abandoned properties. The thefts have occurred as displaced residents were forced to flee their homes due to the disaster. Suspicions are that thieves may be taking advantage of the humanitarian crisis to steal valuables.
Affected individuals have urged authorities to take action against those entering the area at night with the intent to steal. One resident reported finding broken doors upon returning to their home and noted that thieves had even targeted their temporary accommodation, stealing clothes.
"We had abandoned our homes to ensure our safety during the landslide tragedy. But when we returned to check the state of our home after that, we found the doors broken open," an affected person said, as quoted by PTI.
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In response to these theft reports, local authorities have intensified police patrols in the affected areas, including Chooralmala and Mundakkai. A statement issued by the authorities on Saturday evening assured that action would be taken against anyone entering the disaster-hit areas or victims' homes at night without permission.
"Action will be taken against those who enter the affected areas or homes of the victims at night without permission," the statement said.
Wayanad Landslides:
The Indian Air Force airlifted one ZAWER and four REECO radars from Siachen and Delhi on Saturday to expedite search operations in the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad.
As of Friday, Kerala Health Minister Veena George reported that the death toll from the landslides on July 30 in Chooralmala and Mundakkai has reached 308. The latest figures include 215 bodies and 143 body parts recovered, comprising 98 males, 87 females, and 30 children.
Post-mortem procedures have been completed for 212 bodies and 140 body parts, with 148 bodies already identified by relatives.
