Heavy rains are hampering rescue efforts after landslides hit the mountainous district of Wayanad while people were sleeping.
At least 19 people have died and hundreds are feared trapped after a series of landslides triggered by incessant rains hit a mountainous region in the southern Indian state of Kerala.
Indian media said the landslides occurred around Meppadi and Chooralmala in Wayanad district at around 2 a.m. on Tuesday (20:30 GMT on Monday), with rescue efforts hampered by continued heavy rains.
The Indian Express put the death toll at 19, including at least two children.
More than 200 soldiers have been deployed in the area and two Indian Air Force helicopters have been mobilised for rescue operations.
“Hundreds of people are suspected to be trapped,” the armed forces said in a statement.
The Hindu newspaper, citing unnamed officials, said many houses, vehicles and shops had been submerged in mud and water. The main bridge at Chooralmala was also destroyed, according to the Indian Express, and many areas were cut off.
The newspaper published photographs showing torrents of swirling brown water amid fallen trees, large rocks and damaged buildings.
“The situation is serious. The government has put pressure on all agencies to carry out the rescue,” state forest minister AK Saseendran told Reuters news agency.
Writing on social media platform X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “distressed” by the developments in Kerala and had spoken to the state's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, assuring him of “all possible help”.
I am deeply distressed by the massive landslides that occurred near Meppadi in Wayanad. My condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped will be brought to safety soon.
I have spoken to the Chief Minister of Kerala and Wayanad…
– Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 30, 2024
Meanwhile, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who represents the Wayanad constituency in India's parliament, said he was “deeply distressed” by the news of the landslides and hoped those trapped would be rescued soon.
India's meteorological agency predicts more rain in the coming hours.
Monsoon rains in South Asia between June and September offer respite from the summer heat and are crucial for replenishing water supplies, but they also cause widespread death and destruction.
The number of deadly floods and landslides has increased in recent years and experts say climate change is making the problem worse.
