The death toll in the massive landslide in the South Indian state of Kerala’s Wynad district has risen to 276, with over 200 injured as of Thursday morning.
The calamity – said to be amongst the worst such natural calamities in the state – followed a series of devastating landslides in the hilly areas near Meppadi in Wayanad district, flattening an entire village.
Rescue workers made their way through the debris looking for signs of life amid mud, stones and slush on Wednesday as the death toll rose to over 270.
About 225 persons are still reportedly missing.
Search and rescue operations continued in landslide-affected areas on Thursday, with the Army reportedly constructing a bailey bridge at Mundakkai to expedite the rescue efforts.
State authorities said aid deliveries and infrastructure repairs were also being organized on war footing.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has confirmed that 240 people remain missing, while more than 1,500 have been rescued from the affected areas.
A stream of political leaders also visited or on their way, with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and KC Venugopal arriving at nearby Kannur Airport, on their way to the site.
They are scheduled to visit relief camps and the medical college to meet with affected families.
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