123 people were killed and several more were trapped in the Wayanad region of Kerala, India, by landslides triggered by heavy rainfall. Collapse of a critical bridge and continuous rain are hindering rescue attempts. Roughly one hundred people are stuck in inaccessible areas. As rescue workers try to reach all impacted locations, officials anticipate that the death toll will continue to rise.

This landslide is Kerala's deadliest since 2018, when flooding claimed over 400 lives. To support local security authorities in the continuing search and rescue efforts, more than 200 army men have been sent in.

Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala's Chief Minister, addressed the press, saying, "This landslide has wiped out an entire area." He reported that local hospitals are currently treating at least 123 injured individuals, while over 3,000 residents have been evacuated to 45 relief camps.

Wayanad in the Western Ghats is prone to landslides during the monsoon. The disaster affected Mundakkai, Attamala, Chooralmala, and Kunhome with 65 confirmed deaths. 16 bodies were found in the Chaliyar River in Malappuram.Many of the deceased were estate workers likely asleep in their makeshift tents when the landslides hit.

Grim scenes have emerged on social media, showing torrents of muddy water rushing through streets and forests, demolishing homes and leaving people stranded. The collapse of a crucial bridge between Chooralmala and Mundakkai has isolated these areas, complicating rescue operations.

Local resident Rashid Padikkalparamban recounted to Reuters, "At least three landslides hit around midnight, washing away the bridge."

State and national disaster relief teams, supported by local volunteers, are conducting rescue missions. However, strong river currents have made it difficult for personnel to cross and reach cut-off areas. Air-relief operations have also been delayed due to persistent heavy rains.

Raghavan C Arunamala, a local witness, described harrowing scenes: "I saw a man trapped in the debris, shouting for help. Firefighters have been trying to reach him for hours."

Hospitals are overwhelmed as people search for missing loved ones. Around 350 families, many working on local tea and cardamom estates, are believed to be affected.

Wayanad and nearby districts are on high alert due to heavy rains. Schools and colleges in 10 districts are closed as a precaution. The recent events remind of the 2019 landslide in Puthumala, Wayanad, causing 17 deaths. Rahul Gandhi, a former MP from Wayanad, plans to visit the area. 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), stating he had spoken to Chief Minister Vijayan and assured federal support for relief efforts. Modi announced compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,388; £1,857) for victims' families and 50,000 rupees for the injured.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with the community hoping for more survivors and a quick recovery.
 

BOB Post