Thirty-six dead, hundreds feared trapped in India landslides
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Landslides triggered by monsoon rains in southern India resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people, with hundreds feared trapped under the debris.
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India's National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) shows NDRF personnel at the disaster site as they rescue victims of the landslide in Wayanad. (National Disaster Response Force via AFP)
Officials reported Tuesday that landslides in India, caused by heavy monsoon rains, have claimed the lives of at least 36 people, with hundreds more potentially trapped under mud and debris.
The southern coastal state of Kerala has been hit hard by intense rainfall, and rescue operations in Wayanad district have been hindered by the collapse of a crucial bridge at the disaster site, according to local media.
"So far, we have received 24 bodies in different hospitals," Kerala State Health Minister Reena George told the Press Trust of India news agency, adding that "many are injured, they are under treatment" in district hospitals.
🇮🇳:Horrible visuals of landslide coming in from Meppadi, Wayanad,#kerala ,#India
— Weather monitor (@Weathermonitors) July 30, 2024
30 July,2024..#KeralaRain#Wayanad #Landslide #Kerala pic.twitter.com/uvQYb5fLGI
#WayanadLandslide | The death toll in #Kerala reaches 36
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) July 30, 2024
Follow LIVE updates🔗https://t.co/WdHkbHwR6m #Wayanad #Kerala pic.twitter.com/z9fM8mH1fx
Images released by the National Disaster Response Force depict rescue teams transporting bodies on stretchers through the muddy terrain and scattered debris caused by the landslide. The Indian Army has dispatched over 200 soldiers to support state security forces and fire crews in their search and rescue operations.
"Hundreds of people are suspected to have been trapped," it said in a statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that he had assured the Kerala government of "all possible help" in addressing the situation. "My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured," he said in a post on social media platform X.
Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 30, 2024
Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible…
The state's disaster management agency reported that more rainfall and strong winds were expected in Kerala on Tuesday.
