New Delhi: Heavy rain caused a landslide in Kerala's Idukki district early this morning, killing at least 13 people. Twelve others have been rescued so far and are undergoing treatment at Munnar's Tata General Hospital.
"The landslide occurred at a place where tea plantation workers reside. At least three families are stranded there," Superintendent of Police, Idukki said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to rescue the landslide victims in Rajamala. "Police, fire, forest and revenue officials were also instructed to intensify rescue operations," the Chief Minister said.
Officials say the landslide happened in the Rajamalai area of the district, which can be hard to reach. Between 70 and 80 people lived in that area, officials also said, adding they did not know, at this point, how many were trapped. Forest officials and other emergency services personnel have reached the spot.
Communication links to the area have, however, been affected as power lines have snapped because of the rains.
Here are the updates on Kerala rain:
Aug 07, 2020 20:07 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi Tweets Condolences After 15 Killed In Kerala Landslide
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has tweeted condolences to the families of those killed by a landslide in Kerala's Idukki district on Friday. Mr Gandhi, who is the Lok Sabha MP for Wayanad district in the state, which has also received heavy rainfall, appealed to the state to rescue those still trapped.
"My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the landslide in Munnar, Kerala. I request the state government to bring those trapped to safety. I urge all Congress workers to assist in rescue and relief work," Mr Gandhi tweeted.
"The central and state governments should provide immediate assistance to the poor plantation worker families," he said in a second tweet.
In a post on his Facebook account, Mr Gandhi expressed concern for his constituency and said he was "closely tracking the situation over there".
Aug 07, 2020 18:47 (IST)
Centre Assures Help To Kerala After Idukki Lanslide Deaths
Union Minister V Muraleedharan on Friday spoke to Kerala Chief Secretary Dr Vishwas Mehta over Idukki landslide incident and assured him of all possible help. The minister expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the incident.
"Pained by the loss of lives in Kerala flood. My condolences to their family members. Learnt about the stranded tea estate workers in Munnar, NDRF and GoI will extend support to the state to rescue them," he tweeted.
Aug 07, 2020 11:49 (IST)
Kerala CMO has requested assistance of Airforce to provide helicopters for the rescue efforts in Munnar.