At least 24 people have tragically lost their lives and many more are feared to be trapped after heavy rains triggered devastating landslides in the southern Indian state of Kerala.
The landslides struck hilly areas in Wayanad district in the early hours of Tuesday, causing widespread destruction and chaos. Rescue operations are currently underway, but are being hampered by the relentless downpour and the collapse of a crucial bridge.
State minister AK Saseendran told BBC Hindi, “We will be able to assess the extent of the damage only after a few hours.” Local hospitals are currently treating at least 66 injured individuals, with some hospital staff also reported missing in the landslide.
Wayanad, a hilly district nestled in the Western Ghats mountain range, is no stranger to landslides during the monsoon season. Several areas in the district, including Mundakkai, Attamala, Choorallmala, and Kunhome, have been severely affected.
The collapse of a bridge connecting Choorallmala to Mundakkai and Attamala has further complicated rescue efforts, isolating these areas and making it challenging for rescue personnel to reach trapped families.
State and national disaster relief teams, along with local volunteers, are working tirelessly to rescue those in need. The army and air force have been called in to airlift trapped families and to construct a temporary bridge to facilitate rescue operations.
With heavy rains forecasted to continue, Wayanad district and neighboring areas remain on high alert. Schools and colleges in 10 out of 14 districts in the state have been closed as a precautionary measure.
This tragic incident is reminiscent of a similar disaster in 2019 when 17 people lost their lives in a landslide in Puthumala, just 10km away from the current affected areas in Wayanad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of the federal government’s support in relief efforts. He has also announced compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,388; £1,857) for the families of the victims and 50,000 rupees for the injured.
The situation in Kerala remains dire, and the coming hours will be crucial in determining the extent of the damage and the success of ongoing rescue operations.
