5 dead in landslide in Indian state after heavy rain

At least five tea estate workers died after torrential rains triggered a massive landslide in Indian state Kerala’s Munnar on Friday with many feared trapped under the soil. The area has been witnessing rains for the last three days.

According to local authorities, the incident in Idukki district happened in the early hours of Friday. Communication links to the area have been affected as the power lines have snapped in the rains.

Initial reports said five bodies have been recovered from the site and 10 people saved. At least 80 people were reportedly staying in the area, local authorities said.

A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has reached the area. Twenty houses of plantation workers have also been destroyed in the landslide, news agency PTI reported.

“The situation is really serious,” Revenue minister of Kerala E Chandrasekaran said. The minister further said that the authorities are trying to airlift those injured.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office said that they have contacted the Indian Air Force to provide helicopter services to Rajamala for rescue operations. It is expected to be available soon.

Meanwhile, there are also reports another landslide took place en route to Sabarimala hill temple in Pathnamthitta.

In Ernakulam district, as the water level in the Periyar river rose, the famous Shiva temple on the river bank has been almost submerged.

Shutters of various dams have also been opened causing water level in the Periyar river to rise.

(Source: Hindustan Times)