Wayanad, Kerala: A severe monsoon surge has wreaked havoc across Kerala, with torrential rains and landslides causing widespread devastation. The hilly district of Wayanad bore the brunt of the disaster as a massive landslide struck the area on Tuesday morning, resulting in multiple fatalities and leaving many unaccounted for.
several districts in Kerala experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours. Valparai recorded the highest precipitation with a staggering 305 mm, followed by Karipur (242 mm), Kannur (176 mm), Palakkad (163 mm), Kozhikode (155 mm), and Cochin (70 mm).
Experts attribute the extreme weather conditions to a combination of global warming, climate change, and rampant deforestation. The relentless rise in air temperature has increased the atmosphere's capacity to hold moisture, leading to intense downpours within short durations. This, coupled with the loss of forest cover, has rendered the hilly regions susceptible to landslides and mudslides.
The Skymet has issued a warning for continued heavy rainfall in northern and central Kerala over the next 24 hours. While southern districts may experience moderate showers, the downpour could hinder rescue operations in the affected areas.
Image Credit: BBC
