RESCUERS raced against time under harsh conditions to search for survivors trapped in collapsed buildings, two days after massive landslides struck Kerala’s Wayanad district, with the death toll climbing to 190 on Thursday. With nearly 200 people missing, the toll is expected to rise. While some unconfirmed reports suggested 276 fatalities, Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan confirmed that the landslides have killed at least 190 people.

 

More than 225 others have been injured. Rescue efforts have been hindered by a combination of challenges, including treacherous terrain due to destroyed roads and bridges, and a shortage of heavy equipment, making it difficult for emergency personnel to clear mud and huge uprooted trees that fell on buildings. Rajan, who is in the disaster-struck region coordinating the rescue efforts, said 1,300 personnel from various agencies and the Armed Forces carried out joint search-and-rescue operations in the area, braving the rains, winds and difficult terrain and without the help of heavy machinery.