- More than 150 dead so far from landslides in India
Landslides in the southern Indian state of Kerala have claimed at least 156 lives, according to the latest reports from authorities. Rescue teams, along with sniffer dogs and drones, began searching for missing persons on Wednesday, believed to be trapped under mud and debris.
The landslides struck the hilly region of Wayanad in the early hours of Tuesday, while most people were still asleep. Local media reported that around 90 to 100 people are still missing.
Monsoon rains triggered the landslides, leading to rapidly flowing rivers filled with mud and debris. The floodwaters washed away bridges and blocked roads, further hindering rescue operations. The military and navy are assisting local rescue teams and the National Disaster Response Force.
The area also hosts tourist resorts. Reports suggest that 250 people are trapped in one resort. The landslides affected three locations in the state of Kerala, including Mepaddi, parts of Mundakkai, and Chooralmala. More details were not immediately available.
Floods and mudslides are annual occurrences during the monsoon season, which lasts from May to September in India. While the rain is crucial for plant life and agriculture, it can also pose life-threatening risks to humans. Neighboring Pakistan has also experienced heavy rainfall resulting in deaths and destruction.
The heavy monsoon rains, similar to those experienced in neighboring Pakistan, are known for triggering landslides and floods in India, particularly during the season that lasts from May to September. The weather conditions this year have been particularly severe, leading to multiple landslides in Kerala, including those in Mepaddi, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala.
