62 dead and hundreds trapped by heavy rains

At least 62 people have died and hundreds remain trapped by heavy rains and flooding in the state of keralain southern India, a government source told EFE on Tuesday, as rescue efforts continue.

“According to the latest figures, 62 people have died so far,” a spokesman for the Information Department of the Government of Kerala, Pratheesh D. Mony, told EFE.

Heavy rains in South India

In the hilly district of Wayanad, a series of large landslides triggered by heavy rains destroyed houses, roads and a key bridge in the area early on Tuesday.

Authorities suspect hundreds of people may be trapped in the area due to road closures and landslides.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rains in Wayanad district and surrounding areas like Kozhikode, with rainfall forecast to reach 204 millimetres in 24 hours.

Choormala, one of the worst-affected villages, suffered three consecutive avalanches in the early hours of the morning and is virtually isolated, according to the regional daily Onmanorama. At least 36 of the 62 deaths occurred in this village.

The Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government has sent a delegation of five state ministers to handle the response to the recent landslides and oversee rescue operations, Vijayan himself reported on social media site X.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to provide “all possible help” from the central government during a telephone conversation with Vijayan. He also announced aid of 200,000 rupees (approximately 2,206 euros) for the families of the deceased.

“I am deeply shocked by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped will soon be safe,” said opposition politician Rahul Gandhi, who won a parliamentary seat in the district in the general elections that ended in June.

It should be noted that this episode of intense rain is a consequence of the monsoon, which India and the rest of the countries in South Asia experience between May and September, and which causes significant human and material damage.

More than 50 people have died so far due to rains in the northeastern state of Assam since late May.

(With information from EFE)

Heavy rains in South India.

Floods in southern India.

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