Landslides in Kerala cause severe disruptions - datasurfr Landslides in Kerala cause severe disruptions - datasurfr
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Landslides in Kerala cause severe disruptions

Locations affected: India

What:

Heavy landslides affected the hilly areas near Meppadi in Wayanad district, Kerala, on 30th July, leading to the deaths of at least 50 people and injuries to 70 others. Rescue operations involving 250 members of the Fire and Rescue, Civil Defence, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Local Emergency Response Teams are ongoing. Rainfall and strong winds have also caused damage in the high-range areas of Kozhikode, including Thamarassery and Ambayathodu.

Why:

Areas across Kerala have received heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, especially in ecologically sensitive regions like Meppadi, Vythiri, and Vaduvanchal.

So What:

  • Around 400 families have been stranded after a bridge collapse in Chooral Mala town, the only access to Attamala in Mundakkai.
  • Rescue operations were hindered due to rainfall and boulders blocking the path of the rescue workers.
  • Heavy rainfall also triggered landslides at Munnar hill station in Idukki. Landslips occurred along the Kochi-Dhanushkodi national highway, the Munnar-Maryaur inter-state route, and the Munnar-Pallivasal road. No casualties have been reported as of 30th July.
  • Waterlogging of railway tracks due to rainfall has led to the partial cancellation of multiple trains and the cancellation of at least four trains, so far.
  • Waterlogging also disrupted traffic on Kondotty Highway and Edavannappara–Kozhikode Road. Traffic has been restricted on the Gap Road stretch of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi national highway in Munnar.
  • District Collector Arun K. Vijayan has called for heightened vigilance and special attention to landslide-prone areas.
  • The Health Department–National Health Mission has opened a control room and issued helpline numbers, 9656938689 and 8086010833, for emergency assistance.

Outlook:

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall from seven to 11 cm in 24 hours in isolated areas across Kerala from 30th July to 01st August, along with strong winds at speeds of 30-40 km/hr. A red alert, indicating rainfall up to 20 cm within 24 hours, has been issued for Wayanad and neighbouring districts like Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur. Persistent rainfall and strong winds can lead to waterlogging and the destruction of infrastructure. Damage to utility lines can result in interruptions to the power supply. Travel disruptions are expected to continue. Organizations are advised to stay updated on the situation, avoid travel to areas at risk of flooding and landslides, and prepare necessary contingency plans.