The death toll from a devastating landslide in the southern Indian state of Kerala has risen to 41, according to Report, which cites the local news portal Asianet. The tragedy has left the region reeling, with reports of at least 70 people injured and hundreds more feared trapped under the debris.
Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by the destruction of a bridge in the affected area, making it difficult for emergency services to access the site. Despite the challenges, units from the national police and civil defense forces have already been deployed, with a team from the naval forces expected to arrive shortly.
The landslide occurred in the hilly districts of Wayanad in northeastern Kerala. The region has been battered by incessant downpours, which have contributed to the instability of the terrain and increased the risk of landslides.
As rescue teams, including military personnel and three Indian Air Force helicopters, work tirelessly to locate and extract survivors, there are fears that the death toll could rise significantly. The ongoing heavy rains continue to pose challenges to the rescue mission.