Rescue teams search for survivors under an Indian Air Force helicopter at the landslide site in Mundakkai village, India, on July 31, 2024. Getty Images
In Kerala, India, rescuers are working tirelessly following severe landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains. The disaster, which struck the northeastern Wayanad district early Tuesday, has claimed over 150 lives and continues to pose significant challenges for recovery teams. The number of casualties is expected to rise as more areas are reached and assessed.
The landslides, which occurred amidst relentless rainfall, have left hundreds stranded and caused widespread devastation. The affected areas are grappling with power outages, destroyed roads, and blocked bridges, complicating rescue efforts. “We don’t know if people have been washed away in the river but we are doing our best to rescue people. We are leaving no stone unturned,” said A. K. Saseendran, Kerala’s forest and wildlife minister.
Rescuers wade across a river in Chooralmala, Kerala, on Wednesday. AP Photo
Rescue operations are hampered by continuous rain, making it difficult for emergency workers to reach affected areas. They are using inflatable boats to navigate through muddy waters and helicopters to transport aid, though poor weather conditions have limited their effectiveness. “Helicopters have also been brought there, but the weather is bad,” Veena George, the state health minister, noted.
A rescuer navigates through fallen trees, a wrecked car, and other debris. AP Photo
So far, approximately 1,000 people have been rescued by the Indian Army, but the scale of the disaster is overwhelming. Local resident Janaki recounted her terrifying experience, explaining how her family was forced to flee to a neighbour's house after the river's noise woke them up. Despite their narrow escape, they were trapped by another landslide, leaving them grateful for the arrival of rescuers.
Rescuers use a makeshift bridge to get across a river. AP Photo
Dr. Manoj Narayanan from Moopens Medical College Hospital described the situation at the hospital, where patients began arriving early Tuesday morning. He reported treating around 100 patients, with many suffering from fractures, abrasions, and mud in their lungs. “The injuries they are coming with include fractures, abrasions, lacerations, and quite a number of them have mud in their lungs,” Narayanan said.
A rescue worker walks by a house damaged by landslides in Wayanad on August 1, 2024. Getty Images
Kerala has experienced intense rainfall, with some areas receiving nearly 10 inches in just 24 hours. This level of precipitation is typical for the monsoon season but has been intensified by the ongoing climate crisis, which is making such extreme weather events more frequent and severe.
The recent floods and landslides are part of a broader pattern of extreme weather in South Asia, which has seen devastating impacts on communities and infrastructure. Similarly, China has been struggling with heavy rains and flooding, highlighting the global nature of these challenges.
In response to the crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragedy and extended his condolences to the victims' families. His office has announced financial aid, including approximately $2,400 for the families of those who died and around $600 for the injured.
