Heavy rains in the southern Indian state of Kerala have triggered massive landslides, resulting in the deaths of around 45 people and leaving dozens feared trapped.
The landslides occurred in the hilly areas of Wayanad district early on Tuesday.
Rescue efforts are ongoing but are being hampered by continued heavy rainfall and the collapse of a key bridge.
“We will be able to assess the extent of the damage only after a few hours,” state minister AK Saseendran told BBC Hindi.
State Health Minister Veena George reported that local hospitals are currently treating at least 70 injured individuals, while approximately 101 people have been rescued so far.
District Collector DR Meghasree informed reporters that, in addition to the 36 confirmed deaths in Wayanad, nine bodies have been found floating in the Chaliyar River, drifting into the neighboring Malappuram district.
Wayanad, situated in the hilly Western Ghats mountain range, is particularly susceptible to landslides during the monsoon season.
The landslides have affected several areas within the district, including Mundakkai, Attamala, Chooralmala, and Kunhome.
Social media footage has shown muddy water flooding unpaved streets and forested regions, sweeping away homes and leaving people and vehicles stranded.
A key bridge connecting Chooralmala to Mundakkai and Attamala has collapsed, isolating these areas and complicating rescue efforts.
Resident Rashid Padikkalparamban told Reuters that at least three landslides struck the area around midnight, destroying the bridge.
State and national disaster relief teams are conducting rescue operations, and army personnel are expected to arrive soon. Local residents have also been assisting in the efforts.
Mr. Saseendran added that the army and air force have been requested to airlift trapped families and construct a temporary bridge.
Local resident Raghavan C Arunamala described the terrifying scenes unfolding in the affected area.
“I saw a man trapped in the debris shouting for help. Firefighters and rescue workers have been trying to reach him for the last few hours,” he said.
“We fear hundreds of people are trapped inside the villages,” he added.
Wayanad district and neighboring areas are on high alert due to forecasts of heavy rain.
As a precaution, schools and colleges have been closed in 10 of the 14 districts.
In 2019, a landslide in Puthumala, Wayanad—about 10 km from the currently affected areas—resulted in 17 deaths.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he had spoken with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured support from the federal government for relief efforts.
He also announced compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,388; £1,857) for the families of the victims and 50,000 rupees for the injured.