Ninety-three killed, dozens trapped in India landslides

In a tragic event in India, heavy rains have caused devastating landslides in the southern state of Kerala, resulting in the loss of at least 93 lives, with many more individuals feared trapped beneath the debris. The landslides occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in the hilly region of Wayanad, which is known for its vulnerability to such disasters during the monsoon season. Rescue operations are currently underway, but they are facing significant challenges due to the relentless rainfall and the collapse of a crucial bridge that has isolated several areas. V Venu, the state's top civil servant, expressed grave concerns about the situation, stating, 'The situation continues to remain very grave. The casualties may go up. ' Rescuers are working tirelessly to help residents evacuate to safer locations, as the landslides have caused widespread destruction. Local hospitals are treating at least 123 injured individuals, and over 3,000 people have been rescued and relocated to 45 relief camps. The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinari Vijayan, emphasized the severity of the disaster, noting that the landslide has 'wiped out an entire area. ' In addition to the confirmed deaths in Wayanad, 16 bodies have been recovered from the Chaliyar River, which flows into the neighboring Malappuram district. The landslides are the most severe disaster to strike Kerala since the catastrophic floods of 2018, which claimed more than 400 lives. Wayanad, part of the Western Ghats mountain range, is particularly prone to landslides during the monsoon season, and this incident has affected multiple areas within the district, including Mundakkai, Attamala, Chooralmala, and Kunhome. Videos circulating on social media depict muddy water rushing through streets and forested regions, sweeping away homes and leaving people and vehicles stranded. The collapse of a bridge connecting Chooralmala to Mundakkai and Attamala has further complicated rescue efforts, making it difficult for personnel to reach families in need. Rashid Padikkalparamban, a local resident, recounted the terrifying experience, stating that at least three landslides struck the area around midnight, resulting in the destruction of the bridge. State and national disaster relief teams are actively conducting rescue operations, with the assistance of local volunteers. Mr. Venu mentioned that a small team had successfully crossed the river to access cut-off areas, but he acknowledged the need for additional resources, as strong river currents are hindering rescue efforts. Air rescue operations have also been postponed due to the heavy rains. Raghavan C Arunamala, another local resident, described the horrifying scenes he witnessed, 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 many people are flocking to hospitals in search of their loved ones. Approximately 350 families are believed to have lived in the affected regions, where numerous tea and cardamom estates are located. Most of the victims were likely asleep in their makeshift tents when the landslides struck. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been actively involved in the rescue efforts, as shown in a handout photograph taken on July 30, 2024. Wayanad district and surrounding areas remain on high alert due to forecasts of continued heavy rains. Schools and colleges have been closed in 10 out of 14 districts to ensure the safety of students. In 2019, a landslide in Puthumala, located about 10 kilometers from the current disaster site, resulted in 17 fatalities. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, a former Member of Parliament from Wayanad, is scheduled to visit the district on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to announce that he had spoken with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured him of the federal government's support in relief efforts. He also declared compensation of 200,000 rupees, approximately $2,388, to the families of the victims and 50,000 rupees to those injured.