Landslide Death Victims In India's Kerala Soared To 106 People, Many Victims Still Trapped

Victims of landslides in Kerala, southern India jumped to 106 people. Landslides when heavy rains fell on the slopes and triggered a flow of mud and rock floods.

The hill crossing collapsed after midnight following heavy rains on Monday, July 29, in the Wayanad district in Kerala. Most of the victims were tea plantation workers and their families who lived in small houses or temporary shelters.

Reported by Reuters on Tuesday, July 30, television shows rescue workers trying to break through fallen trees and flat zinc buildings.

Meanwhile, large stones scattered on the slopes of the hill and muddy water flowed rapidly.

Rescue teams were pulled across the river, carrying stretchers and other equipment to save people.

It was reported that 106 people died as a result of the landslide, 128 people were injured and dozens others have not been found, state authorities said.

Local Asiannet TV said the death toll was 119.

The landslide that occurred on Tuesday was the worst disaster in the state since 2018 when heavy floods killed nearly 400 people.

"There are still people trapped underground and swept away," said Kerala Pinarayi Chief Minister Vijayan to reporters. "The rescue operation will continue with all existing strengths and facilities," he continued.

More than 3,000 people have been evacuated from the area and accommodated in 45 aid camps in the district.

Hundreds of personnel, including soldiers, used drones and sniffer dogs to search for victims.