BTN News: The heavy rains in southern India have caused terrible landslides, leading to the loss of many lives. For three days, rescuers have been searching through the mud and wreckage. These landslides have taken at least 194 lives in Kerala, leaving many families in sorrow. Sadly, hope is fading for the more than 180 people still missing. The rescue operation has been very hard because of the rough, mountainous area and the continuous rain, said P.M. Manoj, a spokesperson for the state’s chief elected official.
The landslides swept away tea plantations and villages early on Tuesday, destroying homes and bridges. Rescuers have been working to save people trapped under the mud and rubble. This disaster is one of the worst Kerala has ever seen, according to its top official, Pinarayi Vijayan. Around 40 bodies have been found downstream, carried by the Chaliyar River for about 30 kilometers from where the slides happened in the Wayanad district. Rescuers have also found parts of bodies, showing just how severe the situation is.
As of Thursday, 187 people are still missing, and 186 people have been injured, Manoj reported. Most of the victims were tea plantation workers, local news sources said. Despite the challenges, more than 5,500 people have been rescued, according to Vijayan. The rescue mission includes around 1,100 workers, helicopters, and heavy machinery.
In one badly hit area, the military is building a temporary bridge after the original one was washed away. Photos from the area show rescuers moving through the mud and water, while machines clear the debris. O.S. Jerry, who manages a cardamom plantation, often travels through the district. He noted that a beautiful school and many homes have vanished.
The regions of Mundakkai and Chooralmala are severely damaged, Vijayan stated. Over 8,300 people have moved to 82 camps set up by the government, where they are receiving food and essential supplies. Kerala, known for its beautiful scenery and as a tourist spot, often experiences heavy rains, floods, and landslides. The Indian Meteorological Department reported that Wayanad district got up to 28 centimeters of rain on Monday and Tuesday, making things worse.
This week, heavy rains have also caused problems in other parts of India. In the capital, New Delhi, schools closed on Thursday because of the rain that flooded streets, stranded people, and led to at least two deaths, according to the Press Trust of India (PTI). More rain is expected this week, adding to the challenges.
In the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh, a tourist favorite, three people died and about 40 are missing after heavy rains and two cloudbursts destroyed homes, flooded roads, and damaged infrastructure, officials told PTI on Thursday. Similarly, in the neighboring state of Uttarakhand, four people died on Wednesday due to heavy rain.
In Bihar, at least 13 people, including three children, died on Thursday because of lightning strikes, said the state’s prime minister’s office. Most of these victims were planting rice in the fields when the tragedy occurred.
India often suffers from severe flooding during the monsoon season, which runs from June to September and brings most of the region’s yearly rain. These rains are important for crops that depend on rain, but they also cause a lot of damage. Scientists say climate change and global warming are making monsoons more unpredictable, increasing the number and severity of such natural disasters.
The continuous rains and landslides in Kerala have created a crisis. Rescue teams continue their efforts, even as the number of lives lost and the damage increases. The dedication of the rescue teams and the strength of the people offer some hope during this difficult time. The story of Kerala’s struggle and determination in the face of such a big disaster shows both the power of nature and the strong spirit of people.
