In southern India, landslides caused by torrential rains have killed at least 151 people in Kerala state’s Wayanad district. The landslides occurred after heavy rains triggered mud and water to sweep through tea estates and villages, leaving 186 people injured and 187 unaccounted for. Over 5,500 people have been rescued from the affected areas, and efforts to locate missing persons continue with the help of over 300 rescuers. The Indian Army is constructing temporary bridges and rescue workers are navigating through muck and floodwaters, despite blocked roads and unstable terrain.
The landslides have resulted in significant damage, with over 300 houses destroyed in areas like Mundakkai and Chooralmala. Many of the victims are tea estate workers, and local television footage showed rescue workers struggling to reach stranded individuals amid the devastation. The government has set up relief camps, ensuring food delivery and essential items to those affected. Temporary hospitals are also being established, and helicopters have been mobilized to aid in rescue efforts. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the incident and announced compensation for the victims’ families.
Kerala, a popular tourist destination, is prone to heavy rains, flooding, and landslides. The state has been experiencing incessant rains, with the Wayanad district receiving up to 11 inches of rain in a short period. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued alerts for Kerala due to the erratic monsoon patterns, leading to increased instances of landslides and floods in the Western Ghats region. Experts suggest that authorities must monitor construction activities in landslide-prone areas to prevent future disasters.
As rescue efforts continue in the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad district, more than 8,300 people have been relocated to government-run relief camps. Efforts are ongoing to locate missing persons, with the help of helicopters and the Indian army in constructing temporary bridges. The devastation caused by the landslides has left many structures damaged, including a school and numerous houses. Despite the challenges posed by blocked roads and unstable terrain, rescue workers are working tirelessly to reach those in need and provide assistance to the affected communities.
In response to the landslides, the government has dispatched aid in the form of drinking water and medical supplies to the disaster area. Temporary hospitals are being set up to treat the injured, while over 20,000 liters of drinking water have been provided to those in need. The state Health Minister has assured that every effort is being made to rescue those stranded and provide relief to the affected population. The severity of the landslides highlights the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of natural disasters in vulnerable regions like Kerala, where heavy rains and unpredictable weather patterns continue to pose a threat to residents and infrastructure.
