24 dead, dozens trapped in India landslides

Published

6 months ago

July 30, 2024

editor

At least 24 people have been killed and dozens are feared trapped after heavy rains triggered massive landslides in the southern Indian state of Kerala.

The landslides struck hilly areas in Wayanad district in the early hours of Tuesday.

Rescue operations are underway, but are being hindered by heavy rains and the collapse of a crucial bridge.

“We will be able to assess the extent of the damage only after a few hours,” state minister AK Saseendran told BBC Hindi.

Mr Saseendran said local hospitals were treating at least 66 injured people, adding hospital staff were among those missing in the landslide.

Wayanad, a hilly district which is part of the Western Ghats mountain range, is prone to landslides during the monsoon season.

Landslides have hit several areas in the district, including Mundakkai, Attamala, Choorallmala and Kunhome.

A bridge connecting Choorallmala to Mundakkai and Attamala has collapsed, isolating the two places and making it difficult for rescue personnel to reach trapped families.

State and national disaster relief teams are conducting rescue operations. Several locals too have been helping out.

Mr Saseendran also said the army and air force have been asked to airlift trapped families and to erect a temporary bridge.

Wayanad district and neighbouring areas are on alert due to the forecast of heavy rains.

Schools and colleges have been closed in 10 of 14 districts in the state.

In 2019, 17 people had died after a landslide hit Puthumala in Wayanad, around 10km from the areas currently affected.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he has spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured the federal government’s help in relief efforts.

Mr Modi also announced compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,388; £1,857) to the victims’ families and 50,000 rupees to the injured.

(BBC News)

Cultural celebration held to mark Chinese New Year (Pics / Video)

Published

9 hours ago

January 20, 2025

editor

To mark the upcoming Chinese New Year festival, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism jointly hosted a cultural celebration last night (Jan. 19) at the Cinnamon Life Hotel.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who attended the event as Chief Guest, delivered a congratulatory message from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for the Chinese New Year.

The celebration was also attended by former President – Maithripala Sirisena, former Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena, Industry Minister – Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Finance and Planning – Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma and other political dignitaries, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong, Prime Minister’s Secretary – Pradeep Saputhanthri as well as a large gathering of Sri Lankans and Chinese nationals.

Impressive Kungfu performances, colourful dances and musical performances graced the evening as well as traditional Chinese art forms such as paper cutting, calligraphy and sugar crafting.

A special delegation comprising 34 members from the Henan Art Troupe and the Sichuan Chef Team has also arrived in Sri Lanka as part of the New Year celebrations. In addition, the festivities will feature the “Chinese Food Festival” and the “Port City Chinese Cultural Night,” scheduled to take place from January 20 to 23.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, 2025 is the year of the wood snake. The Snake is known for qualities such as grace, intelligence, and intuition.

(Pics – Shanika Jayasekara / Video – Kelum Shivantha)

News

UNP – SJB talks to kick off tonight

Published

9 hours ago

January 20, 2025

editor

The Working Committee of the United National Party (UNP) has given the green light to initiate discussions with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on the possibility of uniting for the upcoming elections.

The Working Committee of the UNP convened this afternoon (Jan. 20) at the party headquarters to deliberate on the matter.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Ranjith Madduma Bandara has said that the first discussion regarding the potential unification of the UNP and the SJB for the upcoming elections will take place in Colombo tonight (Jan. 20).

News

Schools in North Central & Eastern Provinces to reopen tomorrow

Published

9 hours ago

January 20, 2025

editor

All government schools in the North Central Province which had remained closed today (Jan. 20) due to adverse weather conditions will also reopen tomorrow (21), the provincial education authorities said.

Earlier today, it was announced that all government schools in the Eastern Province will also be reopened from tomorrow.