BTN News: Southern India is facing a terrible disaster. Heavy rains caused many landslides, which have killed at least 151 people. These landslides hit tea plantations and villages, causing a lot of damage. The district of Wayanad in Kerala has suffered the most. The rain brought mud and water, which flooded the area and destroyed many homes and lives.
Many people are hurt because of these landslides. Authorities say 186 people are injured, and 187 people are missing. So far, they have identified 77 dead people. Most of these people have been given back to their families. Over 300 rescue workers are trying to find people trapped in the mud and debris. But their work is hard because the roads are blocked and the ground is unstable.
The first landslide happened at 2 a.m. on Tuesday. Another landslide happened two hours later. Areas like Meppadi, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala are now cut off. The roads are gone, and many homes are destroyed. Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief official of Kerala, said they are using all their resources to find the missing people.
Despite the difficulties, more than 8,300 people have been moved to government relief camps. These camps provide food and clean water. Temporary hospitals are also being set up to help the injured.
Mundakkai and Chooralmala have been hit very hard. Over 300 homes are destroyed. Most of the victims are tea plantation workers. Many of them were caught by surprise when the landslides happened. Rescue teams are working through thick mud and fallen trees to reach people who are trapped. The rivers are swollen and have washed vehicles off the roads, making things worse.
Helicopters are being used to help with the rescue efforts. The military is building a temporary bridge to make the work easier. Veena George, the state health minister, said they are doing everything they can to rescue people.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very worried about the landslides in Wayanad. He offered his condolences to the families of those who died and prayed for the injured. He also announced financial help for the victims’ families.
Kerala is still on high alert because more heavy rain is expected. The rain has made life very difficult. Schools are closed in some areas. Kerala often has heavy rains, flooding, and landslides. In 2018, the state had one of its worst floods, which killed nearly 500 people.
The rescue operations are ongoing, and the people of Kerala are preparing for more challenges. The community’s strength and the hard work of the rescue teams give hope. But it will take a long time to recover from this disaster. The full extent of the damage is still being discovered, and rebuilding will be difficult.
