Tragic Landslides in Southern India Claim 151 Lives

Landslides in Southern India: A Devastating Tragedy

In a heartbreaking turn of events, at least 151 lives have been claimed by a series of devastating landslides in southern India, with rescue teams tirelessly combing through mud and debris as they search for survivors. The tragic incidents unfolded in the Wayanad district of Kerala state, where torrential rains unleashed torrents of mud and water, engulfing tea estates and local villages.

The landslides struck early Tuesday, injuring 186 individuals and obliterating homes, uprooting trees, and damaging critical infrastructure such as bridges. A police officer, known simply as Aijaz, reported that 187 people remain unaccounted for, with 77 bodies identified and returned to their grieving families.

Rescue operations have been hampered by blocked roads and unstable terrain, yet over 300 dedicated rescuers worked through the night to locate those trapped beneath the debris. As the search continued, more than a dozen bodies were recovered. A poignant image emerged from the disaster zone: a framed photograph, partially buried in mud, lay amidst the ruins of a damaged home.

The first landslide occurred around 2 AM on Tuesday, followed by a second wave two hours later. Areas such as Meppadi, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala became isolated as roadways were washed away, causing widespread destruction. Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, stated, “Efforts to locate missing persons continue with all available resources.”

Mundakka, situated in a region already vulnerable to natural disasters, faced severe impacts as the torrential flow of soil, gravel, and rock extended to Chooralmala, located six kilometers away. In response to the crisis, more than 8,300 individuals have been relocated to 82 government-run relief camps, where the government is ensuring the provision of food and essential supplies.

Authorities have mobilized resources, dispatching vehicles carrying 20,000 liters of drinking water to the affected areas, and temporary hospitals are being established. According to the Press Trust of India, over 300 homes have been destroyed in the Mundakkai and Chooralmala regions. Local reports indicate that many victims were workers from local tea estates.

As rescue workers navigated through mud and uprooted trees, scenes of devastation were captured on television, showing vehicles swept off roads and stranded individuals pleading for help. Helicopters have been deployed to assist in rescue operations, and the Indian army has been called upon to construct a temporary bridge to facilitate access.

State Health Minister Veena George emphasized, “We are trying every possible means to rescue our people.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the landslides in Wayanad, a district nestled in the Western Ghats mountain range. In a message shared on social media platform X, he said, “My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones, and my prayers are with those injured.” Modi also announced a compensation of 200,000 rupees (€2,206) for the families of the deceased.

As the situation unfolds, India’s meteorological department has issued alerts for Kerala, where relentless rains have disrupted daily life, leading to the closure of schools in some regions on Tuesday. Known for its lush landscapes and popular tourist destinations, Kerala faces the grim reality of heavy rains, flooding, and landslides. The catastrophic floods of 2018, which resulted in nearly 500 fatalities, still loom in public memory.

Recent reports from the Indian Meteorological Department indicate that heavy rainfall has persisted across northern and central Kerala, with Wayanad district recording up to 28 centimeters of rain over Monday and Tuesday. Climate scientist Roxy Mathew Koll from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology noted, “Monsoon patterns are becoming increasingly erratic, resulting in more frequent landslides and floods throughout the Western Ghats.” He also urged authorities to scrutinize rapid construction activities occurring in landslide-prone areas to mitigate future risks.