Massive landslide hits India's Kerala, several feared trapped

7 Aug


A massive landslide on Friday hit India's southern state of Kerala, trapping several tea estate workers, local media reported.


The landslide occurred in Rajmala area of Idukki district, about 287 km north of Thiruvananthapuram in the capital city of Kerala.


"A landslide has hit Rajmala area today because of the heavy rains. The area is cut off and difficult to reach," a local government official said. "Right now we don't know whether anyone is trapped."


According to officials, a team of forest department has reached the area, and details about the incident are awaited.


It is reported that there has been over 70 people living in the area.


The low-lying areas of the district like Munnar, a popular tourist destination, has been flooded due to the rising water levels of the Muthirapuzha River after witnessing heavy rains for the past three days.


Meanwhile, rains in other parts especially Wayanad have inundated several areas leading to a flood-like situation in parts of Kerala. The meteorological department officials have sounded a red and orange alert for the hilly districts of Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod.


Television images showed a temple in Aluva being submerged in water as the water level rises in Periyar River following incessant rains.


Authorities have pressed in disaster response force personnel to carry out rescue measures.


xinhua

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