Rajit Singh
At least 93 people have been killed and dozens are still feared trapped after massive landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in the southern Indian state of Kerala.
The landslides struck early Tuesday morning in the hilly regions of Wayanad district. Rescue operations are ongoing but are being severely hampered by continuous rainfall and the collapse of a crucial bridge.
State’s top civil servant V Venu told media, “The situation remains very serious. The number of casualties may rise.”
Worst Disaster Since 2018 Kerala Floods
This is the biggest disaster in Kerala since the devastating 2018 Kerala floods, which claimed over 400 lives.
Authorities confirmed that more than 200 army personnel have been deployed to assist in rescue operations. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated in a press conference that the landslides have “completely wiped out an entire region.”
Casualties, Injuries and Rescue Efforts
- At least 123 injured people are being treated in local hospitals
- Over 3,000 people rescued and moved to 45 relief camps
- 65 confirmed deaths in Wayanad
- 16 bodies recovered from the Chaliyar River in neighboring Malappuram
- Several body parts have also been found
The affected areas include:
- Mundakkai
- Attamala
- Chooralmala
- Kunhome
Wayanad, part of the Western Ghats, is highly prone to landslides during the monsoon season.
Bridge Collapse & Rescue Challenges
Videos on social media show muddy water rushing through roads and forest areas, sweeping away homes and trapping people and vehicles.
A key bridge connecting Chooralmala to Mundakkai and Attamala has collapsed, cutting off access and making rescue efforts extremely difficult.
Local resident Rashid Padikkalparamban told Reuters that at least three landslides occurred around midnight, washing away the bridge.
Rescue teams, including disaster response forces and local volunteers, are working continuously. A small team has managed to cross the river and reach isolated areas, but strong currents are making further access difficult.
Helicopter rescue operations have also been suspended due to heavy rainfall.
Ground Reality: Fear and Desperation
Local resident Raghavan C Arunamala described the horrifying situation:
“I saw a man trapped in debris screaming for help. Rescue teams have been trying to save him for hours.”
Meanwhile, many families are rushing to hospitals in search of missing loved ones.
Who Are the Victims?
Reports suggest that around 350 families lived in the affected regions, many of whom were workers in tea and cardamom plantations.
Most victims were likely asleep in temporary shelters when the landslides struck.
Alerts, Closures and Weather Warning
- Heavy rainfall continues across Wayanad and nearby areas
- Schools and colleges in 10 out of 14 districts have been closed
- Authorities remain on high alert due to further landslide risks
In 2019, a landslide in Puthumala (about 10 km from current affected areas) killed 17 people.
Political Response and Government Support
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, former MP of Wayanad, is expected to visit the district.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he has spoken with the Chief Minister and assured full support from the central government.
Compensation Announced:
- ₹2,00,000 for families of the deceased
- ₹50,000 for injured victims
Final Note
This tragedy highlights the increasing vulnerability of ecologically sensitive regions like Wayanad during extreme weather events. With climate patterns becoming more unpredictable, such disasters are becoming more frequent and devastating.
