New Delhi — Recently, a powerful landslide triggered by heavy rains devastated hilly regions in Kerala, southern India, claiming at least 158 lives and leaving numerous others unaccounted for, according to state officials and police. Over 100 people have been hospitalized with injuries. The landslides, which struck several areas in Wayanad district early in the morning, caught many residents by surprise as they slept. Indian news networks broadcast footage showing homes, vehicles, and roads being swept away by torrents of muddy water, while rescue teams worked frantically to reach those in need.
Efforts to rescue victims have been hampered by ongoing adverse weather conditions. India’s national weather service has forecasted further rainfall, complicating rescue operations. The Indian Army, Air Force, and disaster response teams are actively involved in the rescue efforts, but many areas remain isolated due to damaged roads and a critical bridge that was washed away. Kerala Police reported that over 200 individuals are still missing. Resident Raghavan Arunamala expressed fears that many people may be trapped in their villages. Rashid Padikkalparamban, another local involved in relief efforts, reported at least three landslides starting around midnight and mentioned that a key bridge connecting two neighborhoods had been destroyed.
In response to the crisis, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has deployed police drones and K9 units to aid in the search and rescue operations. Wayanad, located in the Western Ghats mountain range, is particularly vulnerable to landslides during the monsoon season, and many residents work in the local tea and cardamom plantations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragedy and announced a financial aid package: 200,000 Indian rupees (approximately $2,400) for the families of those who died and 50,000 Indian rupees (about $600) for those injured.
This disaster marks the most severe crisis in Kerala since 2018 when devastating floods claimed more than 350 lives. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition Indian National Congress, has called on the government to create a comprehensive map of landslide-prone areas, noting a rise in such incidents in Wayanad and the Western Ghats. In 2019, a landslide in the district resulted in 17 fatalities.
