- India landslides kill 120 and trap dozens
- The disaster struck early Tuesday, catching residents off guard while they slept
- Rescue efforts are ongoing but hampered by the weather and the collapse of a critical bridge
- Officials report that around 100 people remain inaccessible, and the death toll may rise
India landslides kill 120 and trap dozens
Heavy rains triggering devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district have killed at least 123 people, with many still feared trapped. The disaster struck early Tuesday, catching residents off guard while they slept. Rescue efforts are ongoing but hampered by the weather and the collapse of a critical bridge.
Officials report that around 100 people remain inaccessible, and the death toll may rise. This catastrophe is Kerala’s worst since the 2018 floods that killed over 400 people. More than 200 army personnel have joined the rescue efforts, supported by local authorities and disaster relief teams.
Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan described the situation as a complete wipeout of the affected area. Hospitals are treating at least 123 injured, and over 3,000 residents have been moved to relief camps. Among the casualties, 65 bodies were recovered in Wayanad, with 16 more found in the Chaliyar river in Malappuram district.
The landslides have impacted several locations, including Mundakkai, Attamala, Chooralmala, and Kunhome, with many homes washed away. The disaster has left the region isolated and rescue efforts challenging due to collapsed infrastructure. The affected area, known for tea and cardamom estates, primarily housed workers who were likely asleep in makeshift tents during the disaster.
The region remains on high alert, with schools and colleges closed in 10 of Kerala’s 14 districts.