South India landslides claim nearly 100 lives, search efforts intensify

NEW DELHI: The death toll from the landslides in Kerala, India, has surged to nearly 100 as recovery operations continue.

The hill district of Wayanad has been devastated by the landslides and flooding, which have obliterated villages, roads, and bridges. Areas such as Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha were among the hardest hit, according to local media.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reported that 93 bodies have been recovered so far and 128 individuals have been injured. Additionally, 16 bodies and body parts were discovered in the Chaliyar River. In response to the tragedy, the Kerala state government has declared a two-day period of mourning.

“There has been exceptionally heavy rainfall, and entire areas have been devastated,” Vijayan stated at a press conference. “We have arranged the best possible treatment for the injured, but many people remain trapped under the debris. We have set up 45 relief camps in Wayanad and 118 camps across the state, providing shelter for 5,531 people.”

Due to forecasts of additional heavy rains, several districts in the southern state have implemented travel and tourism restrictions. Rescue operations are ongoing with assistance from the Indian military and disaster response teams.

The elite canine unit of the army, featuring Belgian Malinois, Labradors, and German Shepherds, is being deployed to assist in the search efforts. “These dogs are highly skilled in rescuing individuals from disaster areas, and the canine team will soon arrive in Wayanad,” a Defence Ministry spokesman stated.

Neighboring states Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have also extended their support for the rescue and relief operations, and the federal government has promised “all possible assistance” in response to the disaster.