Credits: Al Jazeera
A large-scale rescue operation is underway in Kerala’s Wayanad district after devastating landslides early Tuesday morning resulted in at least 57 fatalities and left hundreds injured. The disaster, which struck the northeastern region of the southern Indian state, has impacted around one thousand people, according to A K Saseendran, Kerala’s minister for forest and wildlife.
Saseendran confirmed that two significant landslides occurred, and authorities are working tirelessly to rescue survivors. “We don’t know if people have been washed away in the river, but we are doing our best to rescue people. We are leaving no stone unturned,” he told CNN.
Rescue teams at the scene have been battling challenging conditions, including heavy rain and treacherous terrain. The site, blanketed in mud and felled trees, has complicated efforts to retrieve bodies and evacuate residents. So far, at least 250 people have been rescued, local officials reported.
Veena George, the state health minister, noted the difficulties faced by the rescuers, including bad weather and lack of electricity. “Helicopters have also been brought there, but the weather is bad,” she said.
Medical facilities in the area are strained, with Dr. Manoj Narayana from Dr. Moopen Medical Hospital in Mepaddi indicating that the hospital is running out of ventilators. The hospital has treated 73 patients, with eight arriving deceased and another eight in intensive care, two of whom are in critical condition. Many of the injured are suffering from fractures, abrasions, lacerations, and respiratory issues caused by inhaling mud.
The landslides in Wayanad are part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events affecting South Asia, exacerbated by the climate crisis. Heavy flooding and mudslides have recently caused widespread destruction, displacing millions and damaging infrastructure. Similar events have been reported in China, where weeks of torrential rain have triggered floods and landslides.
In response to the tragedy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, stating he was “distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad.” His office announced financial compensation of INR 200,000 (approximately $2,388) for the families of the deceased and INR 50,000 (approximately $597) for the injured. Rescue and relief efforts continue as authorities work to address the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.