By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :
At least 63 people are feared dead and dozens are trapped after heavy rainfall triggered massive landslides in Kerala, a southern state of India. The landslides struck the areas around the hill of Wayanad district on the morning of Tuesday, July 30th.
Other areas affected by the landslides include Mundakkai, Attamala, Chooralmala, and Kunhome. The bridge connecting Chooralmala to Mundakkai and Attamala was washed away, making it difficult for rescue personnel to reach families who were trapped.
The State Minister, AK Saseendran, said that army and air force personnel have been deployed to the areas to rescue and airlift some families trapped in the area and to build a temporary bridge.
“We will ascertain the level of damages in a few hours’ time.”
Rashid Padikkalparamban, a resident of the affect area, said that at least three landslides hit the areas since around midnight and washed away the bridge. Raghavan C. Arunamala, another resident of the area, reported that fire fighters and rescue workers were on ground to rescue people trapped under the debris.
“I am afraid that hundreds of people are still trapped inside the villages,” he said.
Wayanad district and neighbouring areas has been on the alert of forecast of heavy rains.