In southern India, devastating landslides caused by heavy rains have claimed the lives of at least 151 individuals, with over 300 rescuers scrambling to dig through the rubble and mud to retrieve those trapped. The landslides, which struck Kerala state’s Wayanad district, flattened homes, uprooted trees, and demolished bridges, leaving 186 people injured, according to police officer Aijaz.
Efforts to locate missing persons persist as rescue operations are hindered by blocked roads and unstable terrain. The disaster unfolded with the first landslide occurring at 2 a.m. followed by another two hours later, isolating areas like Meppadi, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala. Kerala’s top official, Pinarayi Vijayan, disclosed that Mundakka, a region prone to disasters, was impacted, with debris reaching Chooralmala 6 kilometers away.
Over 3,000 individuals have been relocated to relief camps, with authorities ensuring the distribution of provisions to those affected. Helicopters have been deployed to aid in rescue missions, and the Indian army is assisting in constructing a temporary bridge to facilitate access to affected areas. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced compensation for the victims’ families.
The state of Kerala faces a recurring threat of heavy rains, floods, and landslides, with the recent downpours prompting the country’s weather department to issue an alert. The Indian Meteorological Department highlighted the extreme rainfall in Wayanad district, recording up to 28 centimeters (11 inches) of rain during Monday and Tuesday, underscoring the challenges posed by increasingly erratic monsoon patterns.
Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, emphasized the need for authorities to monitor construction activities in landslide-prone areas following the tragic events in Wayanad. Such precautions are crucial to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and safeguard vulnerable communities residing in hilly regions like Kerala.
