Catastrophic Landslide Triggers Massive Rescue Operation in Kerala

Rescue operations began in Kerala's Wayanad district following devastating landslides that left at least 151 people dead and many still missing. Torrential rain caused hillsides to collapse, leading to widespread devastation. The government is considering building a Bailey bridge to reconnect the affected area.

Rescue workers began their search early on Wednesday for people trapped under debris after landslides wreaked havoc in Wayanad, a district in India's Kerala state, resulting in at least 151 deaths and many missing.

The disaster unfolded as heavy rain led to the collapse of hillsides, releasing torrents of mud, water, and boulders in one of India's top tourist destinations. The calamity, the worst since the 2018 floods, caught most of the 350 families in the area by surprise.

The state chief minister's spokesperson, P.M. Manoj, informed Reuters that 151 people had died and 187 were still missing. Visuals from the scene showed widespread destruction, with houses demolished and trees uprooted as rescuers navigated through muddy water streams using ropes.

The government is contemplating the construction of a portable, pre-fabricated Bailey bridge to access the affected area, after the main bridge to the nearest town, Chooralmala, was destroyed, according to state revenue minister, K. Rajan, in an interview with Asianet TV. Although heavy rains hampered rescue efforts on Tuesday, the weather department predicts some reprieve despite the ongoing rain.

(With inputs from agencies.)