Torrent of Mud: Landslides Devastate Wayanad

A devastating landslide in Wayanad district, Kerala, has resulted in at least 151 deaths and 187 missing. Recovery efforts are underway with nearly 1,000 people rescued by the Indian Army. Heavy rains have caused extensive damage to tea estates and settlements. Authorities continue to search for survivors.

Nearly 1,000 people have been rescued after landslides hit the hills of Wayanad district in India's Kerala state, authorities reported on Wednesday. The disaster has claimed at least 151 lives and left many missing, with heavy rains collapsing hillsides early Tuesday morning, sending torrents of mud, water, and boulders through tea and cardamom estates and small settlements.

The Indian Army has rescued 1,000 people and started constructing an alternate bridge after the main bridge linking the affected area to Chooralmala was destroyed. State chief minister's spokesman, P.M. Manoj, confirmed the death toll and ongoing search operations for 187 missing people. M R Ajith Kumar, a state law and order official, noted that nearly 350 of the 400 registered houses in the area have been damaged.

Heavy rainfall hampered initial rescue operations, but the weather department expects some respite on Wednesday, although rain is likely to continue throughout the day.