At least 56 people have died and dozens are feared trapped following massive landslides triggered by heavy rains in Kerala’s Wayanad district early Tuesday.
Rescue efforts are underway but are hindered by ongoing heavy rain and the collapse of a key bridge.
State minister AK Saseendran told reporters, “We will be able to assess the extent of the damage only after a few hours.”
The Indian army has deployed over 200 personnel to assist in search and rescue operations.
Local hospitals are treating at least 70 injured individuals, and around 250 people have been rescued and moved to relief camps so far.
In addition to the 36 confirmed deaths in Wayanad, nine bodies have been found in the Chaliyar river, which flows into Malappuram district.
Wayanad, part of the Western Ghats mountain range, is prone to landslides during the monsoon season. Several areas, including Mundakkai, Attamala, Chooralmala, and Kunhome, have been affected.
Videos on social media show muddy water flooding through unpaved streets and forested areas, washing away homes and leaving people and vehicles stranded.
The collapse of a bridge connecting Chooralmala to Mundakkai and Attamala has isolated these areas, complicating rescue efforts.
Resident Rashid Padikkalparamban told Reuters that at least three landslides struck around midnight, washing away the bridge.
State and national disaster relief teams, along with locals, are conducting rescue operations. Mr. Saseendran said the army and air force have been asked to airlift trapped families and build a temporary bridge.
Local resident Raghavan C Arunamala described the dire situation, saying, “I saw a man trapped in the debris shouting for help.
Firefighters and rescue workers have been trying to reach him for the last few hours. We fear hundreds of people are trapped inside the villages.”
Wayanad and surrounding areas remain on high alert due to the forecast of continued heavy rains. Schools and colleges have been closed in 10 out of 14 districts.
In 2019, a landslide in Puthumala, about 10km from the current affected areas, killed 17 people.
The tragedy was mentioned in India’s parliament, with Vice-President Jagdeep Singh Dhankar, the chairman of the upper house, calling it a “very painful situation.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he had spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured federal assistance in relief efforts.
Mr. Modi also announced compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,388; £1,857) for the victims’ families and 50,000 rupees for the injured.
Source-BBC
