Five people are missing and feared dead after a deadly landslide struck India's southern state of Kerala following intense overnight monsoon rains.
Emergency crews launched a complex search and rescue operation on Thursday, battling difficult terrain and continued rainfall to locate the individuals caught in the earth movement.
The landslide, which occurred in a mountainous area of the state, was triggered by heavy downpours that have lashed the region since Wednesday evening, loosening saturated soil and causing significant structural damage.
Local media reports depict scenes of devastation with homes destroyed and roads blocked by mud and debris, isolating some affected communities. Families and neighbours are assisting search teams, hoping to find survivors.
Local authorities, supported by national disaster response teams, have mobilised personnel and equipment to the affected areas. Emergency shelters have been established for displaced residents.
Monsoon Intensifies Amid Climate Change Concerns
The incident comes as South Asia experiences its traditional monsoon season, which typically runs from June to September and again from October to December.
Experts warn that human-caused climate change is intensifying these monsoon patterns, leading to more frequent and severe weather events across the region. Kerala has a history of devastating floods and landslides during its monsoon periods.
Scientists attribute the increased intensity to warmer ocean temperatures, which lead to greater moisture in the atmosphere and more extreme rainfall when it condenses. This trend makes mountainous regions particularly vulnerable to landslides.
In 2018, Kerala experienced its worst floods in a century, killing hundreds and displacing over a million people. Subsequent years have seen repeated, albeit smaller, incidents of landslides and flash floods during the rainy seasons.
Weather forecasts indicate that further heavy rainfall is expected across parts of Kerala over the coming days, raising concerns about additional landslides and complicating ongoing rescue efforts.
The state government has issued advisories urging residents in low-lying and hilly areas to remain vigilant and heed evacuation orders from local officials.
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