Donning the Army uniform, Malayalam actor Mohanlal, who is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army, visited the landslide-hit Mundakkai village in Kerala’s Wayanad on Saturday, August 3.
Expressing grief over the tragedy, the actor announced Rs 3 crore towards rehabilitation of the victims. Mohanlal's Vishwashanthi Foundation will also undertake the restoration of Vellarmala school in Chooralmala village – one of the worst-hit regions. At least 20 students belonging to this school lost their lives in the landslide.
Read: Wayanad landslide: A school engulfed in disaster, more than 20 of its students dead
The actor was accompanied by Major Ravi, a retired Army officer and filmmaker. Mohanlal met the Army personnel carrying out the rescue operations on site in his professional capacity. The actor was conferred the honourary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army in 2009.
Speaking to the media, the actor said, “For the past few days, the news has shown some of the saddest scenes our country has ever seen. It's very sad. You can only understand the extent of it when you go to those places. Many people have lost their loved ones, their homes and their possessions in a single moment. But it's a big thing that we all come together to help them,” said Mohanlal, according to Asianet.
In a post on X earlier, Mohanlal had lauded the rescue personnel involved in the search operations in Wayanad and also thanked the efforts of the 122 Infantry Battalion, TA Madras, who have been at the forefront of the relief mission.
“I salute the courage of the selfless volunteers, policemen, Fire & Rescue, NDRF, army soldiers, government officials, and every person working tirelessly to provide relief to the victims of the Wayanad disaster. I am grateful for the efforts of my 122 Infantry Battalion, TA Madras, who have been at the forefront of the relief mission. We have faced challenges before and emerged stronger. I pray that we stand united and show the strength of our unity in this difficult time. Jai Hind!,” he wrote.
The actor also contributed Rs 25 lakh to the CM’s Distress Relief Fund.
As per the official figures, the death toll in the devastating landslides that occurred on July 30 has reached 215 as of 8 am on Saturday.
According to the bulletin, 215 bodies and 143 body parts were recovered including 98 males, 87 females and 30 children. The post-mortem procedures were completed on 212 bodies and 140 body parts and 148 bodies were identified by relatives so far.
Data released by hospitals show that 82 people are undergoing treatment in various hospitals in Wayanad, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. A total of 504 people were brought to hospitals from the disaster area and 205 people have been discharged so far.