At least 123 people have been killed and dozens are feared to still be trapped after heavy rains triggered massive landslides in the southern Indian state of Kerala, UNN reports citing the BBC.
Details
The landslides occurred in hilly areas in Wayanad district in the early hours of Tuesday morning, when most residents were sleeping.
About 350 families are believed to have lived in the affected regions, where several tea and cardamom plantations are located.
Rescue operations continue, but are hampered by heavy rain and the collapse of an important bridge.
Authorities fear that the death toll will rise further, as about 100 people remain trapped in areas where emergency services cannot yet reach.
State Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan said at a press conference that on Tuesday "a landslide destroyed an entire area."
Local hospitals are treating at least 123 victims, and more than 3,000 people have been rescued and moved to 45 relief camps, he said.
In addition to the 65 confirmed deaths in Wayanad, 16 bodies were found in the Chaliyar River, which flows into neighboring Malappuram district. Parts of the bodies of several other people were also found.
Wayanad, a hilly area that is part of the Western Ghats mountain range, is prone to landslides during the monsoon season.
Wayanad district and neighboring districts are still on alert due to the forecast of heavy rains. Schools and colleges were closed in 10 of the 14 districts in the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X that he had spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan and assured the federal government's help in the relief efforts.
Addendum
The landslides have become the worst disaster in Kerala since 2018, when more than 400 people died as a result of floods.