At least 151 people have been killed and an estimated 187 are missing due to a series of landslides in India's Kerala state, caused by monsoon rainfall on Tuesday morning, with rescue operations resuming on Wednesday after they were obstructed by the destruction of roads and bridges. 

Described by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as "one of the worst natural calamities Kerala has ever witnessed," the three massive landslides occurred in the early hours of Tuesday with mud, rocks, and uprooted trees sweeping away or crushing homes.

“Among the victims were children who lost their lives while they were asleep during the wee hours, highlighting the harrowing impact of this disaster. Many residents fled in terror … the damage to homes and livelihoods is immense,” Vijayan said. 

The majority of the victims were tea estate workers, local media reported, especially due to the number of tea and cardamom plantation migrant workers living in temporary fragile homes and tents that were easily washed away by the landslides. 

More than 200 soldiers were deployed to assist in the rescue operation, which was hindered by damaged infrastructure that cut off at least four villages, while the army attempted to construct a temporary crossing following the destruction of a bridge in the nearest town of Chooralmala. However, due to the weather conditions, rescue helicopters were not allowed to help in the mission. 

“The situation is serious, Forests Minister AK Saseendran told reporters, adding, "The government has pressed all agencies into rescue."

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged his commitment to ensure a full rescue effort to locate the victims trapped in the debris.

Seasonal floods, natural disasters

India has often experienced natural disasters caused by its extreme weather conditions, especially when it comes to heavy rainfall. 

India and Nepal suffered the repercussions of floods as a result of unseasonably heavy rains back in October 2021. According to officials, floods spread across the region, from India to Nepal, killing 150 people in its wake. 

The week before the floods, around 42 people died in Kerala, while 77 people died in Nepal.