In a catastrophic event, Kerala has been struck by severe landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, resulting in at least 108 confirmed deaths and many more missing.
The disaster unfolded in the early hours of the morning when torrential rain caused three massive landslides to cascade down the Western Ghats in Wayanad. The calamity has left approximately 128 people injured and forced thousands to seek refuge in temporary camps.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed the grim toll, describing the landslides as “one of the worst natural calamities Kerala has ever witnessed.”
The massive landslides swept away homes, burying residents under a torrent of mud, and rocks, and uprooted trees. Many of the victims were asleep at the time, including children and migrant workers residing in temporary shelters.
Rescue teams guide through debris in Wayanad, searching for survivors amid heavy rainfall.The disaster has severely impacted the region’s infrastructure, with roads and bridges destroyed, complicating rescue efforts.
Access to the affected areas remains difficult, and at least four villages are still completely cut off. Efforts to reach survivors have been hampered by ongoing heavy rain and a weather red alert that has grounded helicopters.
Over 200 soldiers have been deployed to assist in the rescue operations, and the army is working to establish temporary crossings after key bridges were obliterated.
Forests Minister AK Saseendran emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that all government agencies are engaged in the rescue mission.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation and has committed to a comprehensive rescue effort.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who previously served as the MP for Wayanad, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the affected families.
This disaster underscores the increasing vulnerability of Kerala to extreme weather events, following the devastating floods of August 2018, which claimed nearly 500 lives.