Tragic Landslides Claim 41 Lives in Kerala

At least 41 people died and many were injured after landslides struck Kerala, India. The disaster led to the collapse of a main bridge, hindering rescue operations. Efforts to reach victims trapped in mud and debris are ongoing. Heavy rain is predicted to continue, worsening the situation.

At least 41 people were killed and scores injured after landslides ravaged the hills of Kerala's Wayanad district, India, local media reported. Rescue operations faced significant obstacles after a key bridge collapsed, cutting off access to the area. State Health Minister Veena George confirmed over 70 injuries, while The Indian Express reported that many have possibly been washed away into the Chaliyar river.

'The situation is serious. The government has deployed all agencies for rescue,' state Forest Minister A K Saseendran told Reuters. The army has initiated building a temporary bridge to replace the one destroyed, which linked mostly tea and cardamom estates to the nearest town of Chooralmala. Asianet TV reported a death toll of 41, showing visuals of rescue personnel maneuvering through rocks and uprooted trees, with muddy water gushing and many houses devastated.

Relief efforts are further complicated by challenging conditions. One man was seen struggling to free himself from chest-high mud as rescuers made multiple attempts to reach him. Residents reported at least three landslides originating around midnight, which obliterated the bridge connecting the Mundakkai estates to Chooralmala. With many people feared trapped or missing, authorities have intensified rescue operations. Helicopters from the Indian Air Force have been deployed, despite the precarious accessibility caused by the bridge collapse. Rahul Gandhi has engaged with the Kerala chief minister to ensure seamless agency coordination.