Landslides in Kerala killed 23 people

At least 23 people have died and many more have been injured due to landslides in the hills of Kerala, India. Rescue efforts are being hindered by the collapse of a major bridge in the Wayanad district. “The situation is critical. The government has mobilized all agencies for rescue operations,” state Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran told Reuters. Additional rain is expected throughout the day.

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Army Deploys for Emergency Bridge Construction

The army has been enlisted to construct a temporary bridge after a major bridge in Wayanad district, which connected the affected tea and cardamom estates to Chooralmala town, was destroyed. State Health Minister Veena George confirmed that at least 23 people have died and over 70 are injured. The Indian Express reports that many may have been swept away by the Chaliyar River.

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Relief Efforts Hampered by Severe Damage

Television footage revealed relief workers navigating through rocks and uprooted trees amid rushing muddy water, with numerous homes destroyed. Rashid Padikkalparamban, a local involved in the relief efforts, reported that at least three landslides struck around midnight, destroying the bridge connecting the Mundakkai estates to Chooralmala. “Many individuals working in the estates and staying in temporary tents are feared trapped or missing,” he added.

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Ongoing Relief Efforts and Challenges

Relief operations continued on Tuesday with two Indian Air Force helicopters deployed, according to a statement from the Kerala Chief Minister’s office. However, rescue efforts faced difficulties due to a lack of internet connectivity in the area, as reported by Mohsen Shahedi, a senior officer with the National Disaster Response Force.

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