Kerala (India). In the early hours of 30 July 2024, an enormous mass of land and water, caused by multiple landslides, hit the district of Wayanad, in Kerala, overpowering homes and people and burying a large area under debris. More than 200 people were caught sleeping and have been found dead, even at a great distance from their homes. At least 500 are injured and the number of the missing is bound to rise further, due to the number of those dispersed.
From 26 July, torrential rains fell on this region of the south-western coast of India, fueling an increasingly critical situation and arousing the concern of the people of Wayanad, Thrissur, Kattappana, and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Sacred Heart of Jesus Province (INK).
The persistent rains have caused various landslides in hilly areas, causing rivers and water reservoirs to swell. The consequences are flooding and destruction of major roads and towns, uprooted trees, interruption of power and public transport. The tea plantations, which provided the work and livelihood of these populations, have been completely destroyed and there is no news about many of the farmers.
The gigantic mass of mud caught the inhabitants by surprise, leaving desolation on the picturesque hilly district, known as “the Land of God”. The rapid action and coordinated interventions of state government and local administration were commendable but, due to the proportion of the disaster, the work of rescue and restoration to normal conditions is still great, while it is feared that hundreds more people are still trapped under the debris.
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, present with communities in Vaduvanchal (district of Wayanad) and Thiruthiparambu (district of Thrissur), are committed to serving people and families, especially the children and students of their own Schools, psychologically and physically affected by this catastrophe, bringing them comfort, blankets, food, and basic necessities.
The Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians offers concrete support to the population and counts on the generosity and solidarity of all. Contributions and offerings may be submitted in the ways indicated on the Website FMA Institute, designating in the causal Emergency Kerala.
