Intense rains and landslides in Kerala leave at least 122 dead and missing.

Rescue teams have resumed their operations in Kerala, India, where intense rains and landslides have so far resulted in a tragic toll of at least 122 deaths. Since the early hours of last Tuesday, authorities have intensified their efforts to locate the missing in this mountainous region, which has been severely hit by the monsoon. With the collaboration of the Navy, the Army, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), rescuers have been working hard to find victims trapped amid the rubble. According to Pratheesh D. Mony, spokesperson for the Government of Kerala's Information Department, search operations have been successful in recent hours, locating nine more bodies, which raises the total death toll. The Wayanad district has been one of the hardest hit, recording 572 millimeters of rain in just 48 hours. The rainfall was so intense that it triggered several landslides, the first of which occurred at 2:00 AM local time, when many residents were asleep. This tragedy has led to the destruction of homes and left hundreds of people trapped. The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, emphasized the severity of the situation, indicating that the torrential rains have destroyed roads and a vital bridge in the region, further complicating access to affected areas. Images of the devastation, published by the Indian agency PTI, show desolate landscapes, with uprooted trees, scattered rocks, and severely damaged homes. As rescue teams continue their work, authorities have issued alerts about adverse weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has maintained an orange alert for Wayanad, warning of the possibility of heavy rains and strong winds. The situation is even more critical in the neighboring district of Kodagu, where the alert level has been raised to red. This weather phenomenon, part of the monsoon affecting India and other South Asian countries since May, has caused significant damage in various regions. Over the past few months, the northeastern state of Assam has also faced catastrophic situations, with more than 50 rain-related deaths since late May. Floods and landslides have become increasingly common in India, and many experts point out that this rise in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters is linked to climate change. Vijayan highlighted that rains and other disasters can be unpredictable, underscoring the need for proper preparations and swift emergency responses. As the search for the missing continues, local communities face an uncertain future. The damaged infrastructure and loss of life have left a deep mark on the population of Wayanad, which relies on tourism and agriculture, with tea production being one of its main economic drivers. Authorities have urged the public to follow safety guidelines and stay away from high-risk areas. In this context of disaster, solidarity and mutual support become crucial elements for the recovery of affected communities. As rescuers work tirelessly, the tragedy in Kerala serves as a reminder of the fragility of life in the face of nature's power and the urgency of addressing the challenges of climate change in a region that has historically been vulnerable to such phenomena.