DNA testing on 401 bodies and limbs retrieved from the landslide-affected areas in Wayanad on July 30 was completed on Tuesday. The recovery operation, involving the Army, Special Operations Group, Fire and Rescue Services, and the Forest Department along with numerous volunteers, found 349 body parts belonging to 248 individuals, including 121 men and 127 women. Revenue Minister K Rajan mentioned that 52 of these body parts require additional tests due to decomposition. Rajan also noted that blood samples from 115 people have been collected, including those of relatives of three natives from Bihar.
Regarding temporary resettlement, Harrison Malayalam labor unions have been requested to submit a report on the safety and management of 53 houses ready for occupancy and other available housing. Trade union and management representatives have been directed to inspect and report. An investigation into rental houses will be conducted on Wednesday under the leadership of all parties. A five-member committee, including panchayat members, revenue officers, and social workers, will identify and report on available houses within local self-government limits, according to the minister.
Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran reported that three additional body parts were found in the Nilambur area, bringing the total to 231 bodies and approximately 206 body parts recovered. Currently, 1505 people are residing in 12 camps, with 415 samples sent for DNA testing. On Tuesday, 260 volunteers joined the search in the Mundakai-Churalmala disaster areas, focusing on the riverbanks beneath the Churalmala bridge. A thorough search continued in the Chaliyar area of Malappuram district.
