ABU DHABI: The UAE conveyed its sincere condolences and expressed its solidarity with India over the victims of landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, which resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of India, and to the families of the victims, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has also sent a message of condolence to President Droupadi Murmu of India, on the victims of the floods in Wayanad, Kerala, which resulted in several casualties and injuries, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, sent similar messages to the President of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Landslides and flooding caused by heavy rains in the hilly Wayanad district of Kerala
Recently heavy rains have caused severe landslides in Kerala, a state in southern India. So far, at least 109 people have died. Rescue teams are working hard to find and help those who might be trapped.
The floods struck the Wayanad district on Tuesday, during the peak of the monsoon season. At least 176 people have been injured, and the number of deaths is expected to rise as many people are still missing.
The Indian army, navy, and air force, along with helicopters, joined the rescue efforts despite the relentless rain. Entire villages in the hilly Wayanad district have been destroyed. The office of Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, stated that the whole government is focused on managing and coordinating the rescue operations.
Also read: Study finds tree bark can reduce methane emissions in the air
Pictures and videos on social media show railway lines submerged in water, highways blocked by huge rocks, and cars tangled in uprooted trees. Muddy rainwater has been flowing steadily through the towns and villages of Wayanad, which is usually a popular spot for tourists.
More than 200 houses have been swept away by the landslides. The exact number of missing people is still unknown. Wayanad is famous for its tea plantations, and many workers live in small communities on the tea-covered hills.