Massive landslides triggered by heavy rain struck southern India on Tuesday, killing dozens of people and leaving hundreds injured, according to local media.
Many houses were destroyed in the landslide that hit the Wayanad district in the state of Kerala. Authorities have mobilized helicopters and deployed the Indian army to support rescue operations.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said at a press conference that 93 bodies had been recovered and 128 people have received treatment for injuries.
He warned that these numbers probably will increase as rescue operations continue.
At least 44 people were killed in the landslides and 250 were rescued and sent to temporary shelter camps, Kerala Cabinet Minister M. B. Rajesh had reported earlier.
Mr. Vijayan announced a two-day statewide mourning starting on July 30, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast and all public functions and celebrations will be postponed.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad,” adding that he had spoken with Mr. Vijayan and assured all possible assistance from the national government.
India’s weather department has put Kerala on alert as the state has been lashed by incessant rains. Authorities closed schools in some parts on Tuesday. More rain is predicted throughout the day.
The Indian Meteorological Department said the state has had heavy rainfall over its northern and central regions, with Wayanad district recording up to 28 centimeters (11 inches) of rain in the past 24 hours.
Kerala, one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, is prone to heavy rains, flooding, and landslides. Nearly 500 people were killed in the state in 2018 in one of the worst floods.
