Floods, landslides kill at least 28 people in southern India

Rescuers search for bodies of victims amist the debris of a landslide following heavy rains at Koottickal in Kottayam district, southern Kerala state, India, Sunday, Oct.17, 2021. More than two dozen people have died in the state due to intense rains which have triggered floods and landslides. (AP Photo) Rescuers search for bodies of victims amist the debris of a landslide following heavy rains at Koottickal in Kottayam district, southern Kerala state, India, Sunday, Oct.17, 2021. More than two dozen people have died in the state due to intense rains which have triggered floods and landslides. (AP Photo)

By ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL / AP Science Writer October 18, 2021 2 min read

NEW DELHI (AP) – Officials predicted more rain as the death toll from floods and landslides in the southern Indian state of Kerala rose to 28 on Monday.

Since the ferocious downpours began last week, swollen rivers have decimated bridges, and vehicles and homes have been swept away. Several dams were nearing full capacity.

K.J. Ramesh, one of India’s top meteorologists and the former chief of the weather agency, said the increased rainfall was linked to climate change and warmer oceans.

“This is definitely a sign of things to come,” he said.

At least 23 people died in Kottayam and Idukki districts, among the worst hit. More than 9,000 people have taken shelter in over 200 camps across the state, officials said.