The southern Indian state of Kerala is reeling from the devastating landslides that have claimed over 158 lives and left 187 people missing. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the disaster as wiping out an entire area, with rescue operations being hampered by heavy rains.
The landslides, which began at 2 am on Tuesday, have cut off the Mundakkai village by a river, making it challenging for rescue teams to reach stranded villagers. The Indian flag is flying at half-mast as the state observes two days of official mourning.
Joint rescue operations involving the army, navy, air force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police and fire departments are underway. More than 3,000 people have been rescued and moved to relief camps, with efforts ongoing to reach those still stranded.
The disaster, which occurred in Wayanad district’s Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas, has prompted the closure of schools and colleges in 12 out of the state’s 14 districts. The army plans to construct a temporary bridge across the river to facilitate rescue efforts.
The landslides have taken the region by surprise, with many sleeping villagers caught off-guard. Among the missing are plantation workers and migrant laborers who lived in the affected area. Rescue workers are tirelessly searching for survivors under collapsed roofs and debris of destroyed houses.
Political leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have expressed their concern over the disaster, with the opposition party raising the issue in parliament. The landslides are the worst disaster to hit Kerala since the devastating floods of 2018, highlighting the urgent need for continued support and assistance for those affected by this tragedy.
