WAYANAD, India – Kerala state in southern India is reeling from a devastating disaster as heavy rains triggered massive landslides, claiming the lives of at least 93 people with many more feared trapped. The landslides struck hilly areas in the Wayanad district early on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction and hindering rescue operations due to heavy rains and the collapse of a crucial bridge.
According to V Venu, the state’s top civil servant, the situation remains dire, with casualties expected to rise. This tragedy marks the worst disaster to hit Kerala since deadly floods in 2018 that claimed the lives of over 400 people. More than 200 army personnel have been deployed to assist in search and rescue efforts, as local hospitals treat over 129 injured individuals and relocate around 250 people to rescue camps.
The affected areas, including Mundakkai, Attamala, Chooralmala, and Kunhome, are part of Wayanad, a hilly district prone to landslides during the monsoon season. The landslides have devastated communities, with muddy water washing away homes and leaving many stranded. A collapsed bridge isolating two areas, Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Attamala, poses challenges for rescue personnel in reaching those trapped.
State and national disaster relief teams, along with local volunteers, are conducting rescue operations, yet heavy rains have disrupted air-relief efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged assistance to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and announced compensation for the victims’ families and the injured. The tragic event has prompted a response from India’s parliament and politicians, including Vice-President Jagdeep Singh Dhankar and former MP Rahul Gandhi.
As Wayanad district and neighboring areas remain under alert for heavy rains, the community mourns the lives lost and continues efforts to rescue those still trapped. The area, known for its tea and cardamom estates, faces a long road to recovery as families search for their loved ones among the devastation. This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of communities in the face of natural disasters, urging for continued support and relief efforts.