Death toll in Kerala landslides rises to 308

Insight Online News

Wayanad, Aug 2 : The death toll in multiple landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district has risen to 308, Health Minister Veena George said on Friday. Nearly 200 people are still missing.

So far 195 bodies and 113 body parts have been recovered as rescue operations are underway to trace missing people, she told newspersons.

More than 213 people are undergoing treatment at various hospitals after massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Wayanad early on Tuesday, officials said.

Meanwhile, 40 search teams have been formed to conduct search in six zones. The first zone consists of Attamala and Aranmala, the second zone is Mundakai, the third zone is Amlimattam, the fourth zone is Vellarmala Village Road, the fifth zone is GVHSS Vellarmala and the sixth zone is Atiwara.

Each team will have three locals, one forest department employee and members of Army, Navy, Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force and others.

The teams, with the support of police and local swimmers, will also conduct search in a 40-km stretch of Chaliyar river areas coming under the jurisdiction of eight police stations.

A parallel search will be conducted using a police helicopter.

A team of 10-member trained specialist ‘Search And Rescue’ (SAR) dogs has also been deployed in rescue operations.