Monsoons that hit South Asia from June to September lead to floods and landslides, the number of which has increased in recent years, particularly due to climate change, experts say.
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Landslides in the southern Indian state of Kerala have killed at least 36 people, local authorities said Tuesday, July 30. “Hundreds of people are potentially stuck”the army added, saying that about 225 soldiers have been deployed to help with the search and rescue efforts for survivors. Several people injured in the disaster have already been taken to a district hospital for treatment.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted on the social network X, writing that his “Thoughts go out to all those who have lost their loved ones” and that his “prayers go to the wounded”. He also assured the Kerala Chief Minister of “all possible help” to deal with the situation. Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who represented one of Kerala’s districts in Parliament during the previous term, said “deeply distressed” by the disaster. “I hope that all those trapped will be quickly brought to safety”he added.
Kerala’s disaster management agency, which said fire brigade teams and state security forces were taking part in search and rescue operations alongside the army, warned that further rainfall and strong winds were expected later in the day.