The Idukki landslide leaves everyone distressed

-Prisha Sharma

A landslide broke out in the Idukki village, Kerala on the 18th of October 2021 at 6:45 pm.

Kerala has become prone to host such a catastrophe yet it shocks us how dozens of people
face such a tragedy. This disaster had occurred due to climate change and heavy rains.
Several houses were washed away and people became trapped in the district of Kottayam in
Kerala state. Swollen rivers have also washed away bridges connecting many small villages.

The government had earlier said the decision on which dams to open would be made by an
expert committee.
"District collectors will be notified hours before opening the dams so that local people have
enough time to evacuate," said the office of Kerala's chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan.
Furthermore, the state government is fully utilizing the resources by providing military
helicopters to fly in medical supplies and provide any aid required to those trapped.

India's meteorological department has predicted heavy, isolated rainfall in the state for up to
four more days.

Unfortunately, it has been reported that the total number of deaths on Monday tolled to 12
and so far have crossed 24. Out of which 5 were reported as children.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his condolences to bereaved families after speaking to
Mr. Vijayan.

One resident from Kottayam, Samarth Kampay, said his family had lost virtually everything
when "water entered my house with force".

"Last year it didn't rain the way it has rained this year," he said, adding: "We were unable to
find the things in our house... We only have the clothes that we are wearing."

Fishing boats are being used to evacuate survivors trapped in Kollam and other coastal
towns, as sections of road have been swept away and trees uprooted.

Tragically it has also been revealed that a 75-year-old woman and her three grandchildren
passed away in this horrific incident while trying to attend a family wedding on the day.