[Today’s Prayer] Deaths from landslide in southern India increase to 288... 220 people missing

The number of deaths related to large landslides caused by heavy monsoon rains in southern India is increasing.

The local media, including the daily Times of India, reported on the 1st (local time) that at least 288 people have died as of today due to a landslide that hit hill villages near Mepatti town in Wayanad, Kerala, on the 30th of last month. Kerala state authorities confirmed the previous day that 227 people were still missing. As it is unlikely that these missing people are still alive, the death toll may increase further.

It is reported that most of the victims were those who worked in the tea fields and lived in the fields or in small houses nearby. State authorities said that more than 200 people injured by the landslide were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment and that about 5,590 people were rescued.

Rescue workers, including military personnel, are continuing search and rescue operations and are also working to rebuild roads and a large bridge damaged by the landslide. It is known that rescue workers are having difficulties in their activities due to continued heavy rain and weakened ground.

This landslide occurred as a record heavy rain of 572 mm fell on the affected area on the 29th and 30th of last month. The first landslide occurred around 1:15 a.m. on the 30th of last month, followed by a second, more powerful landslide three hours later. Because of this, an area of ​​about 10 square kilometers was covered with thick mounds of dirt, and houses and public infrastructure were also destroyed.

Meanwhile, heavy rain damage continues to occur in the northern part of the country, where the capital, New Delhi, is located. In New Delhi, five people died from drowning due to heavy rain the night before. Three people from In Gurugram, Haryana, which is adjacent to New Delhi, and two people from Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, died from electric shock.

Also, in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, at least two people died and 50 went missing due to heavy rains that began the night before. In the northern state of Uttarakhand, five people died due to heavy rains from the previous night.

In India, most of the year's precipitation is concentrated during the monsoon period, which generally runs from June to September. However, in recent years, the monsoon period has become longer and more intense than usual. Accordingly, experts point out that extreme weather events, such as extreme heavy rains, are becoming more frequent due to climate change and global warming.

Source: Chosun Biz

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jer. 29:11-13)

Lord, many people are affected by heavy rains and landslides across India.

We ask that you come to them and comfort those who are trembling with fear in many parts of India due to the continued, heavy rain.

Lord, we trust that your thoughts for the land of India are not disaster, but peace. May you listen to the prayers of all the peoples of India, who bow down and cry out to you. May India be a land where people seek and find the Lord with all their hearts.

In the midst of India, where news of death is heard, may the Lord come and encounter them so that the news of Jesus' victory over death resound throughout India!