Kerala: The devastating landslides that struck South India’s Kerala state on Tuesday night have claimed the lives of at least 158 people, with 187 others still missing. The worst-affected areas are Mundakkai and Chooralmala in Wayanad district.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has reported that rescue efforts are ongoing, with medical care being provided to the injured. Over 3,000 people have been sheltered in relief camps. However, the ongoing heavy rains and damaged infrastructure are hampering rescue operations, as bridges have been washed away.
Schools and colleges in 12 of Kerala’s 14 districts have been closed due to the inclement weather.
The Indian government has announced financial aid for the victims, with Rs 2 lakh being provided to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
The region has a history of landslide disasters. Since 2018, over 400 people have lost their lives in landslide incidents across Kerala. A similar tragedy in 2019, just 10 kilometers from the current site, resulted in the deaths of 17 people.
