Wayanad (Kerala) [India], July 30 (HBTV): A total of 225 Army personnel have been deployed for rescue operations in Kerala's Wayanad as landslides claim 11 lives, officials said in a statement on Tuesday.

At least 11 people have died and several have been feared injured after massive landslides hit the Meppadi area in Wayanad in the early hours of Tuesday. 

The statement said that the Army received a requisition for providing aid to civil authority on Tuesday morning. In response, the Army has mobilised four columns, including two columns ex 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) and two ex the DSC Centre, Kannur. 

"Hundreds of people are suspected to have been trapped. The total strength of the Army deployed so far for the rescue operation is approximately 225 including medical personnel," the statement read.

The defence officials said that the Kerala State Administration has requisitioned rescue Columns of 122 Infantry Battalion (TA) Madras in response to the severe landslide in Chooralmala, Wayanad district.

A team comprising a medical officer, two JCOs, and 40 soldiers have been mobilised for deployment to assist in the ongoing rescue efforts, they added. 

In the wake of the situation in Wayanad, a special control room has been set up by the district administration at the police headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. 

The public can provide information to the 24-hour control room at the phone numbers 9497900402, 0471 2721566.  

Police personnel from four and five battalions of the Kerala Armed Police and Malabar Special Police are en route to Wayanad. The North Region IG and Kannur DIG have been directed to lead the relief operations. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of INR 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased in the landslides. 

(ANI)