Deadly Landslides Devastate Kerala's Tea Estates

Landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district have claimed over 50 lives, primarily affecting estate workers' families. Torrential rains triggered the disaster, collapsing hillsides and sending mud and boulders onto homes. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with many people still missing as heavy rainfall continues to hamper operations.

Landslides swept through tea estates in Kerala's Wayanad district early Tuesday, claiming over 50 lives, authorities have confirmed. The disaster struck after torrential rains caused hillsides to collapse, sending torrents of mud, water, and boulders onto the homes of estate workers and villagers.

Television footage showed rescue personnel navigating through uprooted trees and flattened structures, with one man seen trapped chest-deep in mud for hours before being freed. Authorities noted that identifying an exact death toll remains difficult, as many body parts have been spotted floating in the river.

Efforts to rescue those trapped are being hampered by ongoing rains and the destruction of a key bridge. The situation has prompted calls for federal assistance, with opposition leader Rahul Gandhi appealing to the union government for support. The Kerala government warns that the full extent of the tragedy is yet to be realized.

(With inputs from agencies.)