At least 19 people have been killed with hundreds feared trapped on Tuesday, following series of landslides in a hilly region of India’s southern state of Kerala.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has drployed Fireforce and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to the affected area.
An additional NDRF team along with two teams from the Kannur Defence Security Corps are also on their way to assist.
The landslides hit around Meppadi and Chooralmala in the district of Wayanad at about 2am on Tuesday (20:30 GMT on Monday). Rescue efforts were being hampered by continued heavy rain.
Two Indian Air Force helicopters have been mobilised for the rescue effort and more than 200 soldiers have arrived the region.
“Hundreds of people are suspected to have been trapped,” the armed forces said in a statement.
The Hindu newspaper said several houses, vehicles and stalls had been submerged in water.
Writing on social media platform X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “distressed” by events in Kerala and that he had spoken to the state’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assuring him of “all possible help”.
I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon.
I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 30, 2024
India’s meteorological agency is predicting more rain in the coming hours.
While offering respite from the summer heat, Monsoon rains across South Asia comes with widespread death and destruction between June to September.
The number of fatal floods and landslides has increased in recent years and experts say climate change is exacerbating the problem.