Heavy rains in the southern Indian state of Kerala have caused catastrophic landslides that have killed at least sixty-three persons and are thought to have trapped scores more.The Wayanad district's hilly regions saw landslides in the wee hours of Tuesday.Heavy rains and the collapse of a vital bridge are impeding rescue efforts, which are now underway."After a few hours, we will be able to assess the extent of the damage," state minister AK Saseendran said.
More than 200 members of the Indian army have been dispatched to the region to support the security services' search and rescue operations.At least 100 injured people are being treated in local hospitals, and about 250 people have been rescued and placed in rescue camps thus far.Nine dead have been found in the Chaliyar River, which flows into the nearby Malappuram district, in addition to the 36 confirmed deaths in Wayanad.The Western Ghats mountain range includes the steep district of Wayanad, which experiences frequent landslides during the monsoon season.Several parts of the district, including Mundakkai, Attamala, Chooralmala, and Kunhome, have been affected by the landslides.muddy water rushing through wooded regions and unpaved streets, destroying homes and trapping people and cars.Due to the collapse of a bridge that connected Chooralmala to Mundakkai and Attamala, the two locations are cut off from one another, making it challenging for rescue workers to reach families who are stranded.
A local resident named Rashid Padikkalparamban told that the bridge had been washed away at least three times since midnight due to landslides.Rescue activities are being carried out by state and national disaster relief personnel. Numerous residents have also been lending a hand.The army and air force have been called to airlift families who are stuck, according to Mr. Saseendran. While a temporary bridge is being constructed, victims are being pulled out by rescuers using ropes.Arunamala Raghavan C revealed the horrific images that were taking place in the region."I observed a man who was stuck in the rubble yelling for aid. For the past few hours, firefighters and rescue personnel have been attempting to get in touch with him," he stated.He continued, "We fear that hundreds of people are trapped inside the villages."Because of the predicted severe rains, the Wayanad district and its surrounding territories are on high alert.
Ten out of the fourteen districts have closed their institutions and schools.Around 10 km from the devastated areas, in Puthumala in Wayanad, a landslide in 2019 claimed the lives of 17 persons.Vice-President Jagdeep Singh Dhankar, the head of the upper house, discussed the incident on Tuesday in the Indian parliament, referring to it as a "very painful situation".After speaking with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X (formerly Twitter) that the federal government would assist with relief efforts.
Additionally, Mr. Modi promised payments to the families of the victims of 200,000 rupees ($2,388; £1,857) and to the injured of 50,000 rupees.
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