Landslide in India kills at least 41, heavy rains forecast

"The situation is very serious. The government has put all agencies in a rescue operation," Forest Minister AK Saseendran said after the landslide in Kerala's Wayanad district. More rain is forecast during the day.

Local news channel Asianet TV reported that as many as 41 people were killed after landslides caused extensive damage in the area. Health Minister Veena George said more than 70 people were injured so far. Many people may have been swept away in the Chaliyar River.

Rescuers help people move to safety at a landslide site in Wayanad, Kerala state, southern India, July 30. Photo: Reuters

The Indian Army has been deployed to build a temporary bridge after the bridge connecting the district with the nearest town of Chooralmala was destroyed. The affected area is mainly tea and cardamom plantations.

Television footage showed rescue workers moving through boulders and uprooted trees as muddy water rushed in, destroying homes.

Rashid Padikkalparamban, a resident involved in the relief effort, said at least three landslides occurred in the area around midnight, washing away the bridge connecting the affected area, Mundakkai estate, with Chooralmala town.

"Many people working on the estates and staying in makeshift tents inside are believed to be trapped or missing," he said.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast extremely heavy rains in the state throughout the day. Kerala is one of India's states prone to heavy rains and flooding, with nearly 400 people killed in one of the worst floods of 2018.

Relief efforts were underway on July 30 and two Indian Air Force helicopters were deployed, the Kerala Chief Minister's office said.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lo-dat-va-cau-sap-o-an-do-it-nhat-41-nguoi-thiet-mang-post305514.html