NEW DELHI (AP) — Multiple landslides triggered by torrential rains in southern India have killed 49 people, and many others are feared trapped under the debris, officials said Tuesday, with rescue operations being hampered by bad weather.
The landslides hit hilly villages in Kerala state’s Wayanad district early Tuesday and destroyed many houses and a bridge, but authorities have yet to determine the full scope of the disaster. Rescuers were working to pull out people stuck under mud and debris, but their efforts were hampered by blocked roads and unstable terrain.
P M Manoj, press secretary to the Kerala chief minister, said the landslides had killed at least 49 people so far. Local media reported that most of the victims were tea estate workers.
Television footage showed rescue workers making their way through mud and uprooted trees to reach those who had been stranded. Vehicles swept off the roads were seen stuck in a swollen river.
Authorities mobilized helicopters to help with rescue efforts and the Indian army was roped in to build a temporary bridge after landslides destroyed a main bridge that linked the affected area.
