A series of landslides in India, caused by heavy monsoon rains, have severely impacted tea plantations resulting in the loss of at least 63 lives. Over 250 individuals have been rescued from the mud and debris, according to officials.
Kerala, a coastal state in southern India, has been hit hard by relentless rainfall, leading to blocked roads in Wayanad district which has made relief efforts challenging.
The state revenue minister’s office confirmed the death toll, while another 125 individuals are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, as reported by district officials.
“My thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed on social media. Wayanad, known for its tea estates, has seen widespread devastation impacting both the plantation workers and infrastructure.
The National Disaster Response Force has shared images of rescue operations in which teams are working to locate survivors and recover bodies from the affected area.
The Indian army has deployed over 200 soldiers to support local security forces and fire departments in the ongoing search and rescue operations.
As more rainfall and strong winds are expected, Kerala’s disaster management agency has issued warnings for the region.
– ‘Alarming rise in landslides’ –
Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi emphasized the need for a comprehensive action plan to address the increasing frequency of natural disasters, reflecting on the devastating impact of landslides in recent years.
Monsoon rains play a vital role in sustaining agriculture and water resources in the region, but also bring about destructive consequences such as landslides and floods, exacerbated by climate change and human activities.
India continues to face challenges posed by extreme weather events, with past instances of floods and landslides causing significant loss of life and property.
Efforts are underway to provide compensation to the families of the victims, and rescue operations are ongoing to ensure the safety of those affected by the landslides in Kerala.
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