On Tuesday, a devastating landslide in Kerala Wayanad district resulted in the deaths of approximately 45 people, with many more reported missing or trapped. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, landslides struck numerous mountainous locations in Wayanad, including Mundakkai, Attamala, Chooralmala, and Kunhome. These places were among those that were affected.
Heavy rains and the collapse of a vital bridge that connects Chooralmala to Mundakkai and Attamala have caused significant obstacles to rescue operations, which are ongoing but severely hampered by these factors.
According to State Minister AK Saseendran, it will take a few hours to determine the entire extent of the devastation caused by the landslide in Kerala. It has also been reported that local hospitals are now treating at least 100 injured people, and about 250 individuals have been rescued so far.
An additional nine bodies were found floating down the Chaliyar River into the adjacent Malappuram district. This is in addition to the 36 deaths that have been proven to have occurred in Wayanad.
Wayanad, part of the Western Ghats mountain range, is particularly prone to landslides during the monsoon season. Videos circulating on social media show torrents of muddy water rushing through streets and forested areas, destroying homes, and leaving people and vehicles stranded. Locals and a team of 200 people from the Indian army have also joined in the rescue efforts, but conditions remain challenging.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to state that he had spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured the federal government’s support in relief efforts for the landslide in Kerala. Compensation of 200,000 Indian rupees has been announced for the families of the victims and 50,000 rupees for the injured.
