Kerala Devastated by Landslides: Worst Disaster Since 2018 Floods
KOCHI: A catastrophic series of landslides swept through the Wayanad district in southern India’s Kerala on Tuesday, resulting in at least 107 confirmed fatalities. This disaster has become the worst to hit the state since the devastating floods of 2018, which claimed nearly 400 lives. The calamity has cast a somber shadow over one of India’s most popular tourist destinations.
The disaster struck after torrential rainfall on Monday triggered the collapse of hillsides, which led to torrents of mud, water, and boulders sweeping through tea estates and surrounding villages. The landslides began after midnight, leaving many of the victims—primarily tea estate workers and their families—trapped in their makeshift shelters. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams struggling through the wreckage of uprooted trees and flattened structures to reach survivors.
Television footage from the scene depicted harrowing scenes: rescuers wading through chest-high mud, carrying stretchers and equipment across a swollen stream to access affected areas. In one dramatic moment, a man was shown trapped in the mud for hours until he was finally rescued by emergency personnel. The scale of the devastation was underscored by images of boulders strewn across the hillsides and muddy water rushing through once-familiar landscapes.
According to local reports, at least 93 people have died in the landslides, and 100 families remain stranded. The affected region, which houses nearly 350 families, is predominantly comprised of tea and cardamom estates. As of now, about 250 people have been rescued, but the scale of the disaster means that many remain unaccounted for.
The state’s chief minister has announced the deployment of army engineers to construct a replacement bridge. The original bridge, which connected the affected area to Chooralmala, was destroyed by the landslides. Chief Secretary V. Venu confirmed that a small team had managed to cross the river to reach the site, but emphasized that much more support was needed. “Many people are still missing, and rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing,” he stated.
The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall throughout the day, exacerbating the challenges faced by rescue teams and heightening fears of further landslides. The region, known for its lush landscapes and tea plantations, had its tourist activities suspended since Monday due to the adverse weather conditions. Local residents have been hit hardest by the disaster, as tourist-related infrastructure remains largely unaffected.
Tuesday’s landslides have starkly revived memories of the 2018 floods, which were among the worst natural disasters to hit Kerala in recent history. The floods that year caused widespread destruction, displaced thousands, and resulted in a significant loss of life. The current landslides, described as the gravest disaster since then, have prompted a massive response from both state and national authorities.
State Cabinet Minister M. B. Rajesh conveyed his concern over the disaster’s severity, stating, “We fear the gravity of this tragedy is much more. Rescue operations are being conducted by various agencies to provide aid and support.” The ongoing efforts are being coordinated by multiple agencies to address the immediate needs of those affected and to mitigate further damage.
In response to the crisis, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who previously won a seat in Wayanad during the general elections, has reached out to the state chief minister to ensure effective coordination between various agencies. “The devastation unfolding in Wayanad is heartbreaking,” Gandhi expressed in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). He urged the union government to extend all possible support to the state, emphasizing the need for a unified response to the crisis.
As Kerala grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, the focus remains on continuing rescue efforts, providing relief to those affected, and preparing for any further impacts of the ongoing rainfall. The resilience of the affected communities and the coordinated efforts of rescue teams will be crucial in navigating through this challenging time.
