• 45 dead and dozens trapped in India landslides
• Heavy rains have triggered massive landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district
• Rescue operations are underway but are being hampered by continued heavy rains and the collapse of a crucial bridge

45 dead and dozens trapped in India landslides

Heavy rains have triggered massive landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district, killing around 45 people and trapping dozens more. The disaster struck early Tuesday in the hilly regions of the district, part of the Western Ghats mountain range, which is prone to landslides during the monsoon season.

Rescue operations are underway but are being hampered by continued heavy rains and the collapse of a crucial bridge connecting Chooralmala to Mundakkai and Attamala. So far, 101 people have been rescued, with local hospitals treating at least 70 injured individuals. The state health minister reported that apart from the confirmed 36 deaths in Wayanad, nine additional bodies have been found floating in the Chaliyar River, which flows into the neighbouring Malappuram district.

Videos circulating on social media show muddy waters flooding streets and forested areas, sweeping away homes and vehicles. State and national disaster relief teams are on the ground, and army personnel are expected to join the efforts soon. Additionally, local residents have been actively assisting in the rescue operations. The government has requested assistance from the army and air force for airlifting trapped families and constructing a temporary bridge to facilitate rescue efforts.#

Army personnel from the Madras Engineering Group, Bengaluru are being rushed to help in the relief and rescue efforts in #Wayanad, where a massive landslide claimed several lives. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan directed the use of drones and police dog squads to assist in the search… pic.twitter.com/nd0A6cR0u3

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 30, 2024