Thiruvananthapuram, India – As the death toll from devastating landslides in southern India climbed to 166 on Tuesday, rescuers continued their painstaking search through thick mud and rubble. The landslides, triggered by torrential rains over the weekend, have ravaged parts of Kerala, leaving hundreds homeless and communities in shock.
Officials report that entire villages in the mountainous Idukki district were swept away or buried under debris, prompting urgent rescue operations. Multiple teams, including the National Disaster Response Force, have been deployed, facing challenging conditions such as washed-out roads and disrupted communications.
The landslides are among the worst in Kerala’s recent history, underscoring the state’s vulnerability to natural disasters during the monsoon season. Local government officials have declared parts of the region disaster zones and are coordinating wide-scale evacuation and relief efforts.
Experts attribute the increasing frequency and severity of such events to a combination of factors. “Deforestation and unplanned construction in hilltop regions make these areas particularly susceptible to landslides,”, noted Dr. Anil Kumar, a geologist specializing in landslide risk assessment. This year’s heavy rainfall has further exacerbated the ground’s instability, resulting in catastrophic slips.
Survivors describe harrowing escapes from fast-advancing mudslides. “We heard a loud rumble, like an earthquake, and then the earth slipped all around us,” recounted Ananya Krishnan, who fled her home just in time. Krishnan and her family were among the lucky few who managed to escape the immediate danger, rescuers say.
Relief efforts are now in full swing, with temporary shelters being established to house those displaced by the disaster. Emergency supplies such as food, water, and medical aid are being distributed, although access remains hampered by the ongoing adverse conditions.
Local authorities are calling for more support from the central government as forecasters predict more heavy rain in the coming days, which could further hinder recovery efforts and pose additional risks.
As the community rallies to support the victims, the focus is also shifting to longer-term recovery and rebuilding. “These communities will need sustained assistance to recover from this disaster,” stated Kerala’s Chief Minister during a press briefing. He emphasized the need for improved disaster preparedness and stricter regulations on land use and building codes.
This tragic event has sparked a national conversation about the effects of climate change on extreme weather patterns, urging policymakers to consider more robust environmental and land management strategies.
Meanwhile, the resilience of the Kerala people stands out, as community members and volunteers from other regions come together, lending hands and resources to aid those affected. Their unity and quick mobilization highlight an ongoing commitment to overcome adversity, typical of past responses to natural calamities in this region.