123 dead due to landslides in Wayanad, Kerala
Wednesday, 31 July 2024 - 1:24 pm
At least 123 people have died and hundreds more are suspected to be trapped after heavy rains triggered massive landslides in the southe Indian state of Kerala.
A landslide occurred in a hilly area of Wayanad district in the early hours of Tuesday mo ing while many residents were sleeping. At least three landslides were reported in the area in the middle of the night.
Rescue operations are underway but the rescue operation is hampered by heavy rains and crucially the collapse of a bridge.
Authorities fear the death toll will rise as around 100 people are still trapped in areas beyond the reach of emergency services.
The landslide is said to be the worst disaster to hit Kerala since floods in 2018 killed more than 400 people.
More than 200 military personnel have been deployed to assist security forces in search and rescue operations, officials said.
Wayanad, a hilly district belonging to the Weste Ghats mountain range, is prone to landslides during monsoons.
Landslides have hit several areas in the district including Mundakkai, Attamala, Churalmala and Kunholm.
Videos on social media showed muddy water flowing through streets and wooded areas.
A bridge leading from Churalmala to Mundakkai and Attamala has collapsed, isolating the two places and making it difficult for rescue teams to reach the trapped families.
State and national disaster relief teams are carrying out rescue operations with the help of local residents.
