Tragic Wayanad landslide claims over 172 lives, 25 members of same family missing

The serene hill district of Wayanad has witnessed a devastating landslide that struck in the dead of night, claiming the lives of 172 residents. The toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

In a heart-wrenching incident, 25 members of a single family have vanished without a trace. Zulfikar Ali, a local resident, recounted the harrowing night to News First. "We were 40 members in our family that night," Ali said. "Due to the heavy rain, everyone sought shelter at our house, while my relatives and brother’s family stayed at their homes. In the morning, there was nothing left. Where our house stood, now flows a river."

Also read: Wayanad landslides: Five from Karnataka’s Mandya pass away

The once 15-feet deep river has expanded to a staggering 250 feet wide, sweeping away everything in its path, including Ali's family. "Two bodies have been recovered," he revealed, "but the search for the remaining members continues."

The disaster has left over 200 people seriously injured, with many fighting for their lives in local hospitals. The community is in shock, grappling with the scale of the tragedy.

Residents mourn their loss, and authorities continue to search for survivors amidst the wreckage. As the region copes with this calamity, the stories of survival and loss paint a somber picture of nature's unpredictable fury.