Joicy Joy, SCN, shares the following update on the landslide tragedy in Wayanad:

Visit to Rippon, Meppadi Wayanad

This week, Sisters from the Notre Dame Convent, SCNs Joicy Joy and Suma Muthukattuparampil, traveled to Rippon, Meppadi, located 19 km from Kakkavayal. Upon arrival, they encountered nearly 200 migrants from Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam who had been evacuated and were now sheltered in this area. The local authorities and relief teams have ensured that these migrants are well cared for, providing sufficient supplies to meet their immediate needs.

During their interactions, many migrants voiced their concerns about future job opportunities. The uncertainty of their employment status has led them to contemplate returning to their home states. They reassured them that arrangements were being made to facilitate their return in a few days.

Visit to Wayanad Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, Wayanad

The Sisters visited WIMS Hospital in Wayanad, where they met a grieving woman from Karnataka who had tragically lost her 2-year-old daughter. Sharing in her suffering was profoundly moving and underscored the human cost of the recent disasters.

While at the hospital, they received distressing news about a migrant worker from Bihar. Although he was rescued, he sustained serious injuries, and tragically, his wife and three other relatives lost their lives. The situation was further compounded by the visit of the Chief Minister and MP Rahul Gandhi, which necessitated their return.

Encounter at the Kalpetta Camp

Later in the day, the Sisters were contacted by staff at the Kalpetta camp, Wayanad. They informed them about 11 migrants who had survived the disaster by fleeing uphill, witnessing the harrowing sight of Malayalees being swept away by the deluge. Together with Sisters Elsy and Suma, Sister Joicy returned to visit these survivors. Initially, the officials at the camp were apprehensive about the Sisters’ presence. However, once they clarified that we were Sisters capable of communicating with the migrants, they were granted access.

The 11 migrants they met hailed from Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. They engaged with them in-depth, listening to their heart-wrenching stories. They described their escape as nothing short of miraculous. Despite the ordeal, they were grateful for the chance to share their experiences. Some recounted seeing their neighbors being swept away by the floodwaters, mud, and stones. They thanked God for their decision to stay together and seek higher ground.

These survivors endured the rain for many hours until their eventual rescue, arriving at the camp the previous evening. Their narratives revealed the extent of their trauma: they had fled with nothing but their mobile phones and the clothes on their backs. Although they now have necessities, their overwhelming desire is to return home and feel safe. Financial constraints have added to their worries, but the Sisters assured them that assistance would be provided in a few days. Among the stories shared, a particularly poignant one was about Phool Kumari from Vaishali, Bihar, who lost her life.

Current Situation and Ongoing Efforts

The heavy rains continue to batter the region, hampering rescue operations. There is an urgent need for prayers and support, as approximately 35 children and 200 other individuals remain missing. Despite their immense suffering, the resilience and hope of the affected communities highlight the critical importance of continued humanitarian efforts.

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are committed to providing ongoing support and ensuring those affected receive the care and assistance they need to rebuild their lives. The collaboration between local authorities, relief teams, and volunteers remains crucial in this endeavour.