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The devastating landslides that struck Wayanad district in Kerala early Tuesday morning have resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 151 people confirmed dead and dozens still missing. The catastrophe has left the picturesque region, known for its tea estates, in ruins, with numerous houses destroyed and trees uprooted. The landslides, triggered by heavy monsoon rains, have struck the tea plantations particularly hard, leaving many of the 350 families residing in the area surrounded by tea and cardamom estates, caught unaware as they slept.
One landslide victim, recounting her harrowing experience, shared her story with the news agency ANI. She described the terrifying night, stating that she felt her bed shaking and heard loud noises. Despite trying to contact her neighbors and her son, she was unable to get through. Her son instructed her to climb on top of the house, but the jammed door prevented her escape. After yelling for help, she was eventually rescued by people who broke down the door with an axe. The second landslide swept away her home, leaving her with nothing. She tragically lost several relatives in the disaster, with only two bodies recovered and the rest still missing. She now faces a devastating reality, without a home, land, or the ability to work, leaving her in a state of despair and uncertainty about her future.
Rescue workers are facing an uphill battle as they search for survivors and victims trapped under the debris. The government is considering constructing a portable, pre-fabricated Bailey bridge to connect the affected area, as the main bridge to the nearest town of Chooralmala was destroyed. Combined rescue operations are being conducted by teams from the DSC Centre, Kannur, the 122 TA Battalion, the NDRF, and state rescue teams, all working tirelessly to locate those missing and provide aid to those affected. The horrific event has highlighted the devastating impact of natural disasters and the urgent need for disaster preparedness and prevention measures to protect communities and mitigate the consequences of such tragedies.
Source: Wayanad landslide victim recounts harrowing escape: ‘Couldn't open the door’