At least 45 people have been killed and many others injured following landslides in the hills of India's southern Kerala state, according to local media. The rescue efforts have faced significant challenges due to the collapse of a main bridge in the area. State Health Minister Veena George reported over 70 injuries, while many individuals might have been swept away by the Chaliyar river.

State Forest Minister A K Saseendran described the situation as serious, noting that the government had mobilized all available agencies for rescue operations. The landslides occurred in the Wayanad district, primarily affecting tea and cardamom estates. More rain is expected throughout the day, complicating the rescue efforts.

To address the bridge collapse, the army has been brought in to construct a temporary bridge. Reports indicate that 45 people had died due to the landslides, which caused significant destruction in the region. Television footage showed relief workers navigating through rocks and uprooted trees, with many homes destroyed by the muddy water.

One man was seen trapped in chest-high mud for hours, unable to be reached by rescue workers despite repeated attempts. Rashid Padikkalparamban, a resident participating in the relief efforts, mentioned that there were at least three landslides starting around midnight, which destroyed the bridge connecting the Mundakkai estates to the nearest town of Chooralmala. Many estate workers living in makeshift tents are feared trapped or missing.

Kerala frequently experiences heavy rain and flooding, with nearly 400 deaths in a severe flood in 2018. Ongoing relief efforts include the deployment of two Indian Air Force helicopters, as stated by the Kerala chief minister's office. Rescue operations are hindered by the lack of road access due to the bridge collapse, according to Mohsen Shahedi, a senior National Disaster Response Force officer.

Rahul Gandhi, who recently won a general election from Wayanad but resigned after being elected from another constituency, has spoken with the state chief minister to ensure coordinated efforts among all agencies involved.