India landslides kills 24 people Many missing

At least 24 people have died and many more are missing following a series of devastating landslides triggered by heavy rains in the Indian state of Kerala.

The landslides occurred in the hilly areas of Wayanad, where hundreds of homes were engulfed by mud and debris, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Kerala's Health Minister Veena George reported, “It’s very unfortunate that early this morning around 3 am, massive landslides occurred in Wayanad. Rescue operations are going on. We are exploring everything possible to rescue the lives of our people. So far, we have received 24 bodies in different hospitals.” Among the dead was a one-year-old child, and many others are feared to have been washed away by the fast-flowing water.

The landslides struck in the early hours, while residents were asleep, resulting in widespread destruction. Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by continuous heavy monsoon rains and the collapse of a crucial bridge linking the affected area to the town of Chooralmala. Forest Minister A K Saseendran stated, “The situation is serious. The government has pressed all agencies into rescue,” adding that the army was working to build a temporary crossing.

Rashid Padikkalparamban, a local involved in the relief efforts, reported that there were at least three significant landslides in the region. “Many people who were working in the estates and staying in makeshift tents inside are feared trapped or missing,” he said.

The Indian army and air force have been mobilized to assist in the rescue operations, but local leaders have indicated that challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain have hindered evacuation efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation and has pledged a comprehensive rescue effort.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, former MP for Wayanad, expressed his distress, saying, “I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon.”

Kerala has faced increasing challenges with flooding and landslides due to intense and irregular monsoon rains. In August 2018, the state experienced severe flooding that resulted in nearly 500 deaths, marking one of the worst floods in a century.