On Tuesday, Wayanad (Kerala) was struck by severe rainfall, leading to three major landslides that devastated Chooralmala village. The landslides, occurring between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., caused extensive damage, including the destruction of roads, bridges, and numerous homes. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire brigade, and police are still assessing the full extent of the damage.
Authorities have confirmed 45 fatalities, with hundreds feared trapped. Over 200 homes in Chooralmala are reported to have been washed away. The collapse of the bridge over the Iruvazhinji River has further complicated rescue efforts by isolating Chooralmala from Mundakkai. Minor landslides are continuing in the upper hills, and the Chaliyar River’s water level has surpassed the danger mark due to runoff from the Meppadi landslides. The Indian Army has been deployed to assist with rescue operations and bridge construction.
The Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology reported over 300 mm of rain in the region over the past 24 hours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised support from the central government, and Rahul Gandhi has pledged to seek additional assistance. Relief efforts are underway, with two Indian Air Force helicopters mobilised. Kerala’s history of heavy rains and flooding includes a severe event in 2018 that resulted in nearly 400 deaths.
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