30-7-2024 (NEW DELHI) A series of catastrophic landslides has struck the Wayanad district in India’s southern state of Kerala, resulting in at least 41 fatalities and leaving scores injured, according to local media reports. The disaster, which unfolded in the hilly region, has prompted a massive rescue operation that faces significant challenges due to infrastructure damage and adverse weather conditions.
State Health Minister Veena George confirmed that over 70 individuals have sustained injuries in the calamity. Adding to the grim toll, the Indian Express reported that many people are feared to have been swept away by the swollen Chaliyar River, raising concerns about a potentially higher death count.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by state Forest Minister A K Saseendran, who told Reuters, “The situation is serious. The government has pressed all agencies into rescue.” The minister further revealed that the Indian Army has been called upon to construct a temporary bridge after the collapse of a crucial bridge linking the affected area, primarily comprising tea and cardamom estates, to the nearest town of Chooralmala.
In response to the crisis, the Indian Army has deployed over 200 soldiers to assist state security forces and fire crews in search and rescue operations. “Hundreds of people are suspected to have been trapped,” the Army stated, highlighting the potential scale of the disaster.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern and support for the affected region, stating on social media platform X, “My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured.” The Prime Minister’s office announced a compensation of 200,000 rupees (approximately £1,900) for the families of the victims.
Local news channel Asianet TV reported that as many as 41 people have perished in the landslides. Television footage depicted rescue personnel navigating through debris-strewn landscapes, with muddy water coursing through areas where many houses have been destroyed.
Rashid Padikkalparamban, a local resident involved in relief efforts, recounted at least three landslides occurring in the area from around midnight, which led to the destruction of the bridge connecting the Mundakkai estates to Chooralmala. “Many people who were working in the estates and staying in makeshift tents inside are feared trapped or missing,” he said.
The disaster has once again brought attention to Kerala’s vulnerability to heavy rains and flooding, with memories still fresh of the 2018 floods that claimed nearly 400 lives.
Rescue operations continue to be hampered by the collapse of the main bridge, making the affected area inaccessible by road. Mohsen Shahedi, a senior National Disaster Response Force officer, confirmed these challenges to Reuters. In response, two helicopters from the Indian Air Force have been mobilised to assist in relief efforts, as stated by the Kerala Chief Minister’s office.
Rahul Gandhi, who recently won the general election from Wayanad but resigned due to also being elected from his family’s northern stronghold, has spoken with the state’s Chief Minister to ensure coordination among all agencies involved in the rescue and relief operations.
