19 killed, hundreds missing as landslide hits India’s Kerala

A landslide caused by torrential rains killed at least 19 people at Wayanad district in Indian state of Kerala, where tea estate workers live, early on Tuesday, with more than 100 people trapped in the area which rescuers find difficult to reach.

According to officials, many people were feared washed away in the Chaliyar River flowing to the Nilambur region in Malappuram as the landslide struck the hilly areas near Meppadi early in the morning. They said multiple landslides were reported in the Mundakkai and Chooralmala villages under the Meppadi Panchayat in Wayanad.

The Chief Minister’s Office said two Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters will leave for Wayanad from Sulur in Coimbatore. Besides, two battalions of the Indian Army’s Defence Security Corps have moved to Wayanad from Kannur.

According to officials and rescuers, scores of houses, shops and vehicles were buried under the debris at Mundakkai. As a bridge to the spot was washed away, villagers could not rush to help the people trapped under the debris. The tragedy has hit the region, where families of tea estate workers are living.

Several northern districts of Kerala, including Wayanad, have been witnessing heavy rain since Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all assistance to the landslide-hit area. “Distressed the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there,” PM Modi posted on X.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also posted on X expressing his anguish over the massive landslides.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon. I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector, who assured me that rescue operations are underway. I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts,” Rahul Gandhi said in the post.

“I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad. I urge all UDF workers to assist the administration in the rescue and relief operations,” added Gandhi.

In 2020, Idukki district of the southern state witnessed a massive landslide which killed more than 40 people.