At least 93 people have been killed and many injured due to a landslide that occurred early in the morning in southern India, while at least 250 people have been rescued from the mud, debris, and rubble.
According to a report by news agency AFP, Kerala's State Health Minister Veena George told the Press Trust of India that they have received 24 bodies in various hospitals, and several injured people have also been brought to hospitals.
She further stated that rescue operations are ongoing in the area. Later, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told journalists, "So far, 93 bodies have been recovered. This is one of the worst natural disasters in the history of our state."
He added that another 128 people have been shifted to hospitals for treatment.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he assured the Kerala government of all possible assistance in dealing with the situation.
In a post on social media platform X, he stated, "My prayers are with the injured and all those who have lost their loved ones."
The state's disaster management agency said that more rain and strong winds are forecasted for Kerala on Tuesday.
Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently represented Wayanad in Parliament, said he was deeply saddened.
He further said, "I hope that those trapped will be rescued soon."
According to a BBC report, a landslide occurred in the hilly areas of Wayanad district on Tuesday. Rescue operations are ongoing, but the teams are facing severe difficulties due to heavy rains and the collapse of a major bridge.
State Minister AK Saseendran told the BBC, "We will be able to assess the extent of the damage in a few hours."
AK Saseendran said that at least 66 injured people are being treated in a local hospital, and the hospital staff is among those missing in the landslide.
He also mentioned that the army and air force have been asked to evacuate the trapped families by air and to construct a temporary bridge.
In view of the forecast of heavy rains, an alert has been issued in Wayanad district and surrounding areas, and schools and colleges have been closed in 10 out of 14 districts of the state.
Landslides have occurred in several areas of the district, including Mundakkai, Attamala, Choralmala, and Kanhoom.
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