The death toll from the powerful landslides that hit the southern Indian state of Kerala on Tuesday has exceeded 158 people. More than 220 people are still missing. This was reported by the BBC, according to UNN.
Details
Rescuers say they are searching for people under collapsed roofs and rubble of destroyed houses. However, rescue operations are hampered by continued heavy rains.
As a result of the disaster, the village of Mundakkai was cut off by the river. Landslides also destroyed key bridges connecting remote areas.
So far, more than 3,000 people have been rescued. They have been transported to 45 relief camps. Among those who are still missing are plantation workers and migrant workers who lived in the region.
Visual images from the scene show the extent of the destruction: trees uprooted lie on flooded roads and destroyed houses.
The mudslides were the worst disaster to hit the state since 2018, when more than 400 people died in floods.
Recall
The landslides occurred in hilly areas in Wayanad district in the early hours of Tuesday morning, when most residents were asleep. About 350 families are believed to have lived in the affected areas, which are home to several tea and cardamom plantations.