Landslides in Kerala leave at least 167 dead and trigger a humanitarian crisis.

Torrential rains in the state of Kerala, India, have unleashed a series of devastating landslides, resulting in a tragic toll of at least 167 dead and burying entire villages under mud and debris. The situation has prompted a massive mobilization of rescue efforts, although adverse weather conditions and access difficulties have complicated search and recovery operations. Particularly in the village of Mundakkai, the epicenter of the landslides, rescue efforts have been hindered by the destruction of the main bridge connecting the locality to the rest of the region. This has limited the arrival of rescue teams and the evacuation of people trapped in the area. The Indian army has intervened, managing to evacuate more than 5,500 people, including tourists who were stranded due to the crisis. Rescue efforts have included the use of search dogs sent from New Delhi, which are helping to locate bodies buried under the rubble. However, the terrain conditions and the incessant rain continue to hinder the work of rescuers, who are racing against time in an effort to save lives and recover the deceased. The tragedy in Kerala has brought to light a broader debate about the impact of the climate crisis in the region. Environmentalists warn that climate change has intensified rainfall in mountainous areas, leading to an increase in the frequency of landslides. Furthermore, construction on unstable land and deforestation have contributed to soil destabilization, making these communities more vulnerable to such disasters. This year, the world has witnessed at least three catastrophic landslides, each more devastating than the last. In southern Ethiopia, for example, hundreds of people lost their lives in a landslide last week, while in May, an even more severe tragedy occurred in the village of Yambali in Papua New Guinea, where more than 2,000 people were buried alive. The history of landslides around the world is marked by tragedies that have left indelible marks on the collective memory of the affected societies. One of the deadliest incidents occurred in the Venezuelan locality of Vargas in 1999, when a massive mudslide, triggered by intense rains, claimed the lives of over 10,000 people. As rescue efforts continue in Kerala, the international community watches with concern the increasing frequency of these natural disasters. The need to implement sustainable development policies and climate change mitigation programs is more urgent than ever. It is imperative that nations come together to address this global crisis and protect the communities that are most vulnerable. In this context, the Indian government faces a monumental challenge not only in recovering the affected communities but also in implementing measures to prevent tragedies like this from happening again in the future. Reconstructing infrastructure and creating early warning systems are essential steps that must be considered. As the situation unfolds, international solidarity and support become a fundamental pillar to help the victims and their families. The global community must be ready to respond not only to the immediate crisis but also to address the underlying causes that are leading to an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters like these. The lives lost in Kerala serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle between humanity and nature, a reminder we must not ignore.