On 30 July 2024, heavy rainfall triggered landslides in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. About 400 people were killed and 300 seriously injured, with another 130 still reported missing one week after the disaster. The area affected mostly consisted of tea farms built on steep slopes, and many of those who died worked in the farms, or were members of their families.

With approval from the Govt of Kerala, Amrita Hospital’s Disaster Management Medical Unit was dispatched on July 31 to provide free care from the village of Meppadi, one of the places worst hit. Three ambulances visited various relief camps to bring survivors for treatment.

The 35-member medical team included doctors, technicians, and paramedics. The unit, the size of a city bus, is equipped with comprehensive diagnostic facilities, including X-ray, ECG, ultrasound, echo, PFT, Doppler scan, and a high-speed laboratory. It also features a mini operation theatre and telemedicine facilities.

As soon as the landslides struck, the Wayanad Ashram began leading volunteers to provide immediate support to people affected. They went to relief camps to bring consolation and comfort to many who were suffering. Above all, they listened to the survivors in their shock and grieving.

Volunteers with AYUDH, our youth wing, immediately headed to the landslide site in Chooralmala to assist in search & rescue. The also took part in last rites with volunteers from Seva Bharati, a non-governmental organisation that works with economically weaker sections of society, including tribal communities. Seva Bharati managed the crematorium, and AYUDH helped by supplying firewood, gas cylinders, and other necessary items.

In Meppadi, the volunteers did public clean-up drives for the debris that collected there, especially since the accumulated plastic waste could lead to health problems.