Tragedy in India: Landslide Kills 56, Leaves Dozens Stranded

Landslide kills 56 in India, many more feared trapped...

Devastating landslides in Kerala, India, claim 56 lives, with many more feared trapped. Rescue efforts hindered by heavy rains and bridge collapse, as government pledges support and aid.

In Kerala, India, a devastating landslide has claimed at least 56 lives, with many more feared trapped. The disaster struck the hilly areas of Wayanad district on Tuesday, July 30, following intense rainfall.

Rescue teams are racing against time to reach those trapped, but their efforts are being hindered by relentless heavy rains and the collapse of a vital bridge, making access to the affected areas extremely challenging.

“We will only be able to determine the full extent of the damage after a few hours,” state minister AK Saseendran said.

India's army has joined the rescue efforts, deploying over 200 personnel to support search and rescue operations in the affected area, bolstering the security forces' efforts to reach those trapped.

Local hospitals are providing medical care to at least 70 injured individuals, while around 250 people have been rescued and relocated to relief camps, receiving necessary aid and support. The disaster has claimed a total of 45 lives, with 36 confirmed deaths in Wayanad and nine bodies recovered from the Chaliyar River, which flows into neighboring Malappuram district.

Wayanad, situated in the Western Ghats Mountain range, is prone to landslides during the monsoon season, making it a vulnerable region. The area's geography and climate make it susceptible to such natural disasters, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and preparedness.

The landslides have wreaked havoc in multiple areas of Wayanad district, including Mundakkai, Attamala, Chooralmala, and Kunhome, causing widespread destruction and chaos.

Dramatic videos shared on social media show the devastating impact of the landslides, with muddy waters rushing through streets and wooded areas, destroying homes, and leaving people and vehicles stranded. The sheer force of the water has swept away everything in its path, leaving a trail of destruction.

A critical bridge connecting Chooralmala with Mundakkai and Attamala has collapsed, severing access to these areas and significantly hindering rescue efforts. This infrastructure damage has further complicated the already challenging task of reaching those trapped and delivering aid to affected communities.

A series of devastating landslides, at least three, struck around midnight, unleashing a torrent of water that swept away a critical bridge, further exacerbating the disaster.

State and national disaster relief teams have mobilized to conduct rescue operations, with local residents also joining the efforts to help those affected. Additionally, the army and air force have been called in to assist with airlifting trapped families to safety and constructing a temporary bridge to restore access.

Local resident Raghavan C Arunamala described the apocalyptic scenes unfolding in the area, painting a vivid picture of the destruction and chaos caused by the landslides. His eyewitness account highlights the severity of the situation and the dire need for continued rescue efforts.

“I saw a man trapped in the debris shouting for help. Firefighters and rescue workers have been trying to reach him for the last few hours,” he said.

“We fear hundreds of people are trapped inside the villages,” he added.

Wayanad district and neighboring areas are bracing for further devastation, with heavy rainfall forecasts prompting a high alert. As a precautionary measure, educational institutions in 10 out of 14 districts have been shut down, prioritizing the safety of students and staff.

The region is no stranger to landslide tragedies, as evidenced by the 2019 Puthumala landslide, which occurred just 10 kilometers from the current affected areas, resulting in the loss of 17 lives. This history serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by the current situation, underscoring the need for vigilance and swift action.

The devastating landslide tragedy in Kerala resonated in India's parliament, where Vice-President Jagdeep Singh Dhankhar, who chairs the upper house, acknowledged the “very painful situation” and expressed the nation's concern.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to assure support for the affected region, revealing that he had spoken with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and pledged federal assistance for relief efforts. Additionally, Modi announced financial aid for the victims' families, promising 200,000 rupees in compensation, as well as 50,000 rupees for those injured, demonstrating the government's commitment to alleviating the suffering.