126 dead in India after landslide - rain makes rescue effort difficult
Due to the single bridge between the particularly hard-hit villages of Chooralmala and Mundakkai being washed away, emergency services had to use an improvised zipline to transport bodies on stretchers. Additionally, blocked roads in the Wayanad district hindered rescue and recovery efforts.
Heavy monsoon rains in the southern state of Kerala preceded the landslides. Volunteer rescue worker Arun Dev told news agency AFP that some people who fled the landslides ended up stranded at a river that had overflowed. "Those who escaped were swept away with houses, temples, and schools," he said.
Wayanad is known for its tea plantations that sprawl across the hilly terrain. Numerous workers are needed for planting and harvesting the tea.
Some of the plantations were hit by two landslides in a row on Tuesday. Most of the fatalities are said to be plantation workers and their families. Some seasonal worker accommodations and their families were buried.
After the incidents, over 3000 people were housed in temporary shelters around Wayanad, according to the Kerala government. According to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, at least 572 millimeters of rain fell in Wayanad over the two days before the landslides. The state's disaster management authority warned of more rain and strong winds on Thursday, posing a risk of damage to unstable structures even outside of Wayanad.
Monsoon rains occur regularly in South Asia from June to September, crucial for replenishing water supplies but also causing regular floods and destruction. Researchers attribute this to human-induced climate change, leading to heavier and less predictable rainfall. Deforestation and dam construction also exacerbate the impacts of these rains.
The Kerala government has deployed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to assist in the relief efforts, led by The Commission. The Commission is working closely with local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the displaced people.
