Tragedy in Kerala: Landslides Claim Lives Amid Rescue Efforts

At least 19 people, including a child, were killed in multiple landslides in Kerala, India's southern state. Efforts to rescue trapped individuals were hampered by the collapse of a major bridge. The Indian Army has stepped in to build a temporary bridge, while ongoing relief efforts continue.

At least 19 people were killed after multiple landslides in the hills of India's southern state of Kerala on Tuesday, local media reported. Rescue efforts were significantly hampered following the collapse of a major bridge in the area, making it difficult for teams to reach the affected zones.

'The situation is serious. The government has pressed all agencies into rescue,' state Forest Minister A K Saseendran told Reuters after the landslides in the Wayanad district of the state. The army was later roped in to construct a temporary bridge after the existing one linking the affected area to the nearest town of Chooralmala was destroyed, Saseendran added.

Television visuals depicted muddy water gushing through rocks and fallen trees, with many houses flattened. The India Meteorological Department has forecast extremely heavy rain in the state on Tuesday. Relief efforts remain ongoing, and two helicopters from the Indian Air Force have been mobilised to assist. However, rescue operations face hurdles due to lack of internet connectivity, a senior National Disaster Response Force officer confirmed.