Devastating Kerala Landslide Claims 36 Lives; Rescue Efforts Hindered by Blocked Roads and Unstable Terrain
July 31, 2024Landslides are a frequent hazard in Kerala during the monsoon season, often resulting in severe casualties and damage.
A recent landslide in southern India has claimed at least 36 lives, with authorities warning that many more may still be buried under the debris.
Rescue operations are currently underway, but efforts are hampered by blocked roads and unstable terrain, complicating the search for survivors.
Military helicopters have been deployed to assist in rescuing stranded individuals in severely affected areas, where many are without food and medicine.
State Health Minister Veena George has confirmed that 24 bodies have been recovered, and ongoing efforts aim to rescue those still trapped.
Despite the challenges posed by infrastructure damage, state cabinet minister M B Rajesh emphasized the urgency of the rescue operations.
The area experienced an unprecedented 572 millimeters of rain over 48 hours, far exceeding the forecast and underscoring the unpredictability of climate-related weather patterns.
In response to the tragedy, the Prime Minister's office has announced that families of the victims will receive compensation of 2,200 euros.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolences and called for coordinated support from the union government to aid in the relief efforts.
The situation continues to evolve, with reports indicating that the full extent of the disaster and its impact on the community is still being assessed.
Eyewitness accounts describe the chaos and destruction as the landslides struck, leaving many families in distress and in need of immediate assistance.
Summary based on 29 sources
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Sources
The New York Times • Jul 30, 2024
Landslides Hit Kerala in India, Killing at Least 23The Guardian • Jul 30, 2024
India landslides: at least 23 dead in Kerala with others missing, feared washed awayBBC News • Jul 30, 2024
Wayanad: Massive landslides kill 24, trap dozens in KeralaYahoo News • Jul 30, 2024
Landslides after heavy rain in India's Kerala kill 106, many still trapped