Several feared dead, hundreds trapped after landslides rock Indian state of Kerala | Weather News

Heavy rain hampers rescue efforts after landslides occurred while people slept in the hilly Wayanad district.

At least ten people are believed to have died and hundreds are trapped after several landslides broke out in a mountainous region in the southern Indian state of Kerala as a result of persistent rains.

Indian media reported that the landslides occurred around 2 a.m. on Tuesday (20:30 GMT Monday) in the Meppadi and Chooralmala area of ​​Wayanad district and that rescue efforts were being hampered by persistent heavy rain.

Two Indian Air Force helicopters have been mobilized for rescue operations, the Kerala Chief Minister’s office said in a statement.

The Indian Express put the death toll at ten, including two children.

Quoting anonymous officials, the Hindu newspaper reported that many houses, vehicles and shops were submerged in mud and water. According to the Indian Express, the main Chooralmala bridge was also destroyed and many areas were cut off from the outside world.

The newspaper published photos showing raging brown waters that have washed away trees and buildings.

In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote that he was “saddened” by the events in Kerala and had spoken to the state’s chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, and assured him of “all possible help”.

I am deeply shocked by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My deepest condolences go out to the grieving families who have lost their loved ones. I hope that those still trapped will soon be brought to safety.

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 the news of the landslides had “deeply shocked” him and that he hoped that the trapped people would be rescued soon.

The Indian Meteorological Department is predicting further rain in the coming hours.

The monsoon rains from June to September provide respite from the summer heat throughout South Asia and are important for replenishing water supplies. But they also bring much death and destruction.

The number of deadly floods and landslides has increased in recent years, and experts say climate change is exacerbating the problem.