In the southern Indian state of Kerala, heavy rainfall caused major landslides that are thought to have killed several. Early on Tuesday, hilly areas of the Wayanad district saw landslides. Rescue operations are underway, but are hindered by powerful rains and the collapse of a crucial bridge.
At least 54 people were killed by landslides in southern India on Tuesday, a district official told reporters. The army had previously said that hundreds more people were believed to be trapped.
Numerous massive landslides hit several hilly areas around Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district early Tuesday, leaving many persons suspected of being trapped. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said that Fireforce and NDRF teams had been sent to the affected region, with an additional NDRF team on its way to Wayanad.
According to a KSDMA Facebook post, two teams of the Kannur Defence Security Corps have also been ordered to travel to Wayanad to help in the rescue operations. Locals in the affected regions report that rescue efforts have been hindered by the ongoing, intense rain and that many people are believed to be stuck.
