In a tragic turn of events, landslides in Kerala state have resulted in the loss of at least 151 lives, with the toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue to be hampered by heavy rains. Over 128 individuals have been injured, and approximately 187 remain unaccounted for following devastating landslides triggered by torrential monsoon rains in the Wayanad district.
Most of the victims were tea estate workers and their families, caught off guard by the early morning disaster that flattened houses and uprooted trees. Blocked roads and unstable terrain have added challenges to the rescue operations, although over 3,000 individuals have been relocated to relief camps with support from government aid.
Indian Army has stepped in to construct an alternate bridge after the main one linking the affected area was destroyed. The state’s Chief Minister has termed it as “one of the worst natural calamities” witnessed by Kerala, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce compensation for the affected families. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has called for a comprehensive plan to mitigate the increasing frequency of such disasters.