At least 19 people have been killed in the hilly district of Wayanad in India’s southern state of Kerala due to landslides triggered by heavy rain. The landslides hit around Meppadi and Chooralmala in the early hours of Tuesday, with rescue efforts hindered by ongoing rain. More than 200 soldiers and two Indian Air Force helicopters have been deployed to the area, with hundreds of people feared trapped. The situation has been described as serious, with many houses, vehicles, and shops submerged in mud and water. The main bridge in Chooralmala has been destroyed, cutting off access to many areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi have expressed their condolences and offered support to the Chief Minister of Kerala. The Indian meteorological agency is predicting more rain in the region, posing further challenges for rescue efforts. Monsoon rains in South Asia are crucial for water supplies but also bring widespread destruction, with climate change exacerbating the problem. The landslides in Wayanad serve as a reminder of the risks posed by heavy rainfall in vulnerable regions. Efforts are ongoing to rescue those still trapped and provide support to the affected communities as they navigate this tragedy.
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