Wayanad: Nearly 1,000 people have been rescued following severe landslides in Indian state of Kerala’s Wayanad district. The disaster, triggered by heavy rains, has claimed at least 165 lives, with more than 150 individuals still missing.
The landslides struck early morning on July 30th, causing hillsides to collapse and unleash torrents of mud, water, and boulders across tea and cardamom estates, as well as small settlements. The catastrophic event is the worst the state of Kerala has faced since the deadly floods of 2018.
State officials confirmed the devastation emphasising the significant loss of life and the ongoing search for the missing. The Indian Army has played a crucial role in the rescue efforts, saving 1,000 individuals. The army has started the construction of an alternate bridge to replace the one destroyed, which had linked the affected area to the town of Chooralmala in Wayanad district.
“The landslides originated in the upper areas and cascaded down to the valleys where people lived. Our immediate focus is on searching the hillside and recovering as many bodies as possible,” stated a state law and order official.
Reports indicate that nearly 350 of the 400 registered homes in the affected region have been damaged. Following a day of relentless rain that hampered rescue operations, the weather department anticipates some relief on July 31st, though intermittent rain is expected.
The recent heavy flooding and landslides have wreaked havoc across South Asia, with the climate crisis adding more to the severity of these extreme weather events.
In response to the tragedy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress on X, offering condolences and announcing financial aid of approximately $2,400 (₹2 lakh) for the families of the deceased and $600 (₹50,000) for the injured.
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