Ninety-Three Killed, Dozens Trapped in India Landslides

At least 93 people have lost their lives, and dozens are still feared trapped after heavy rains triggered massive landslides in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The landslides struck the hilly areas of Wayanad district in the early hours of Tuesday, causing widespread devastation.


Rescue Operations Hindered by Weather

Rescue operations are underway, but heavy rains and the collapse of a crucial bridge are severely hindering efforts. V Venu, the state's top civil servant, stated, "The situation continues to remain very grave. The casualties may go up," highlighting the severity of the disaster. With ninety-three killed and dozens trapped in India landslides, the urgency of rescue efforts cannot be overstated.

The Worst Disaster Since 2018

This disaster is the worst to hit Kerala since 2018, when deadly floods claimed more than 400 lives. More than 200 army personnel have been deployed to assist in search and rescue efforts. Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan informed the press that the landslide had wiped out an entire area, underscoring the scale of the tragedy.

Medical and Relief Efforts

Local hospitals are treating at least 123 injured people, and more than 3,000 individuals have been rescued and moved to 45 relief camps. Apart from 65 confirmed deaths in Wayanad, 16 bodies have been found in the Chaliyar river, which flows into neighbouring Malappuram district. The grim toll of ninety-three killed and dozens trapped in India landslides continues to rise as rescue operations proceed.


Areas Affected

Wayanad, part of the Western Ghats mountain range, is particularly prone to landslides during the monsoon season. The landslides have affected several areas in the district, including Mundakkai, Attamala, Chooralmala, and Kunhome. Videos on social media showed muddy water gushing through unpaved streets and forested areas, washing away homes and leaving people and vehicles stranded. A bridge connecting Chooralmala to Mundakkai and Attamala has collapsed, isolating these places and complicating rescue efforts.


Eyewitness Accounts and Local Impact

Rashid Padikkalparamban, a local resident, reported that at least three landslides hit the area around midnight, washing away the bridge. State and national disaster relief teams, along with local volunteers, are conducting rescue operations. Mr Venu mentioned that a small team managed to cross the river to reach the cut-off areas, but more resources are required. Strong river currents are making it difficult for rescue personnel to cross the river, and air-relief operations have been postponed due to heavy rains.

Harrowing Scenes and Ongoing Search

Raghavan C Arunamala, a local, described horrifying scenes, saying, “I saw a man trapped in the debris shouting for help. Firefighters and rescue workers have been trying to reach him for the last few hours." Local media reports indicate that people are flocking to hospitals in search of their loved ones. Nearly 350 families are believed to have lived in the affected regions, many of whom worked on tea and cardamom estates. Most victims were likely asleep in their makeshift tents when the landslides struck.


Continued Risk and Government Response

Wayanad district and neighbouring areas remain on alert due to the forecast of more heavy rains. Schools and colleges have been closed in 10 of the state's 14 districts. In 2019, 17 people died after a landslide hit Puthumala in Wayanad, about 10 km from the currently affected areas.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, a former MP from Wayanad, is set to visit the district on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and assured the federal government's assistance in relief efforts. He announced compensation of 200,000 rupees (£1,857) to the victims' families and 50,000 rupees to the injured.

Conclusion

The tragic events, with ninety-three killed and dozens trapped in India landslides, have plunged Kerala into mourning. The combined efforts of rescue teams, local volunteers, and the government provide a glimmer of hope amid the devastation. However, the community faces a long and challenging road to recovery, emphasizing the need for improved disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure to prevent future tragedies.