At least 45 people have lost their lives in a series of devastating landslides triggered by heavy rains in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The disaster struck Wayanad district on Tuesday morning, with multiple landslides reported across the region.
Rescue efforts have been hampered by the challenging terrain, collapsed bridges, and ongoing rainfall. Authorities have confirmed that 36 bodies were recovered at the primary landslide site, while nine others were found downstream in Malappuram district.
Over 70 people have been injured and are receiving medical treatment, while 101 others have been rescued. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Four villages have been severely impacted, with residents reporting multiple large landslides. The area has a history of such disasters; a similar landslide in the same region claimed 17 lives in 2019.
As a precautionary measure, schools in ten districts of Kerala have been closed due to the inclement weather.
The Indian government has announced financial assistance for the victims, with Rs 2 lakh provided to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
