Heavy rains hamper rescue efforts after landslides hit the mountainous Wayanad district as people slept.
At least 19 people have died and hundreds have been trapped after a series of landslides triggered by relentless rains hit a mountainous region in the southern Indian state of Kerala.
Indian media said landslides occurred around Meppadi and Chooralmala in Wayanad district at around 2am on Tuesday (20:30 GMT Monday) and that rescue efforts were being hampered. by continuous heavy rains.
The Indian Express put the death toll at 19, including at least two children.
More than 200 soldiers were deployed in the area and two Indian Air Force helicopters were deployed for the rescue effort.
“It is suspected that hundreds of people were trapped,” the Armed Forces said in a statement.
Citing unidentified officials, the Hindu newspaper said many houses, vehicles and shops were submerged in mud and water. The main Chooralmala bridge was also destroyed, according to the Indian Express, with many areas cut off.
The newspaper published photos showing torrents of brown water amid fallen trees, large rocks and damaged buildings.
“The situation is serious. The government has put pressure on all agencies for rescue,” state Forest Minister AK Saseendran told news agency Reuters.
Writing on the social media platform
I am deeply distressed by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon.
I spoke to the Chief Minister of Kerala and Wayanad…
-Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 30, 2024
Meanwhile, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who represents the Wayanad constituency in the Indian parliament, said he was “deeply distressed” by the news of the landslides and hoped those trapped would be rescued soon.
India’s meteorological agency predicts more rain in the coming hours.
Monsoon rains in South Asia from June to September provide relief from the summer heat and are crucial for replenishing water supplies, but they also bring widespread death and destruction.
The number of fatal floods and landslides has increased in recent years and experts say climate change is worsening the problem.
This story originally appeared on Aljazeera.com read the full story
