Landslides in India – at least 45 dead and many injured

Rescuers are on site, searching for survivors under the rubble of destroyed houses, officials and local media reported.

The landslides occurred early Tuesday (local time) in the state of Kerala while people were sleeping in their homes. The masses of earth hit villages where hundreds of people reportedly live. Pictures showed great devastation – destroyed houses, piles of rubble, uprooted trees, vehicles washed away.

Local authorities in the affected district of Wayanad reported that 36 bodies had already been found. In a neighboring district, nine more bodies were discovered that had been washed away, reported broadcaster India Today.

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Hundreds of people may still be buried

At least 100 people have been rescued so far, said Kerala state health minister Veena George. Around 70 people have reportedly been taken to hospitals with injuries.

Hundreds of people may still be buried under the earth in the hilly area, wrote the newspaper “The Hindu”. Rain was hampering the rescue teams, the minister said. Emergency services were therefore brought to the site by helicopter. The region is difficult to access, also because an important bridge has been washed away. Sniffer dogs are being deployed. Heavy rain is forecast in the region for the next 24 hours.

Modi announces compensation

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X: “My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and my prayers are with the injured.” Rescue efforts are underway to help all those affected, he added. Modi also announced compensation of 200,000 rupees (about 2,200 euros) for the relatives of the victims and 50,000 rupees for each injured person.

Floods and mudslides are an annual part of the monsoon season, which lasts from May to September in India. The rain is vital for flora and agriculture, but can also be life-threatening for people.