At least 93 people have been killed in multiple landslides in southern India, authorities said. More than 100 others were taken to hospitals with injuries from the affected Wayanad district in Kerala, state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. Hundreds of people are believed to have been buried in the accident.

Several landslides hit villages in the southern state. Television footage showed huge amounts of water gushing over rocks and uprooted trees, and many houses destroyed. “The situation is serious. The government has mobilized all available forces,” Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on the online service X that he had promised “all possible assistance” to the government in Kerala.

More than 200 troops were sent to help

The landslide was triggered by heavy monsoon rains. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted further heavy rains in the region. According to civil protection authorities, bad weather conditions and poor internet connectivity have seriously hampered rescue efforts. In addition, a bridge collapsed near the accident site. Therefore, emergency services were rushed to the scene by helicopter.

South Asia experiences monsoon rains from June to September, which are important for replenishing water supplies. But they also often cause flooding and damage. According to researchers, human-induced climate change is causing heavier and more unpredictable rainfall.

hal/ch (afp, dpa, rtr)

Editorial deadline: 16:30 – this article will not be updated anymore.