A devastating landslide, triggered by torrential rains in Wayanad, Kerala, has claimed the lives of over a hundred people and injured many more. The disaster, described as one of the worst in Kerala’s history, has struck picturesque hamlets like Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, leaving a trail of destruction and a sense of dread. Fears are mounting of further fatalities as at least 800 individuals remain trapped, with rescue teams racing against time to locate and save survivors.
Fire Officer Rakesh from the Chooralmala area recounted the harrowing events, stating that the landslide occurred in the early hours of the morning. “Many houses have been washed away, and 800 people are trapped. We managed to construct a temporary bridge and evacuate 700 people,” he explained. The rescue efforts have been temporarily halted for the night, with the teams planning to resume operations tomorrow.
The disaster sites present heart-wrenching scenes, with families frantically searching for their loved ones amidst the devastation. The sheer scale of the tragedy underscores the urgent need for swift and coordinated rescue operations, as the hopes of finding survivors rest heavily on the shoulders of those working tirelessly in the face of this devastating natural disaster.