At Least 63 Dead, Dozens Trapped in Kerala Landslides
Officials have disclosed the death of at least 63 people, with at least 250 others rescued from mud and debris as landslides triggered by relentless monsoon rains have struck tea plantations in the southern Kerala state of India.
The landslides hit near Meppadi in the district of Wayanad at about 2am on today, (20:30 GMT on Monday), cutting off at least four villages, and rescue efforts were hampered by blocked roads in the disaster area.
State revenue minister K Rajan’s office confirmed the death toll to reporters, while district official D R Meghasree stated that another 125 people were hospitalized for treatment.
Wayanad, known for its tea estates spread across its hilly landscape, relies heavily on a large pool of casual laborers for planting and harvesting. Local media reported that most of the victims were tea estate workers.
Television footage showed rescue workers navigating through mud and uprooted trees to reach those stranded, and vehicles swept off the roads stuck in a swollen river.
Authorities mobilized helicopters for rescue efforts, and the Indian Army was brought in to construct a temporary bridge after landslides destroyed the main bridge connecting the affected area.
“We are trying every way to rescue our people,” state Health Minister Veena George said.
Images published by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) showed rescue crews trudging through mud to search for survivors and carry bodies on stretchers out of the area.
My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on social media platform X, adding that families of victims would be given a compensation payment of $2,400 (200,000 rupees).
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who until recently represented Wayanad in parliament, told lawmakers that the scope of the devastation was “heartbreaking”.
"Our country has witnessed an alarming rise in landslides in recent years. “The need of the hour is a comprehensive action plan to address the growing frequency of natural calamities.” He said.
India’s meteorological agency has yet predicted more rain in the coming hours.
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