The death toll in the Vayanad landslide tragedy in Kerala has risen to 123 with injuries to nearly 150 others. More than 3000 people have been saved following massive efforts. Sources said it was difficult to assess the number of actual deaths.
The exact figure of death would be ascertained when the situation calms down and a survey of the missing people was done.
Heavy rains in this area have devastated four villages.
There are indications that several people were still trapped in the debris.
Scene of devastation is being witnessed in the hilly areas where bodies with missing limbs were being recovered from the slush and mire all around.
Residents of Mundkai, Churalmala, Attmala, and Nulpujha were sleeping when the first landslide occurred in the night in the midst of heavy rains accompanied by strong winds that uprooted trees and almost completely destroyed houses. It was so sudden that none of the inhabitants could find time to run and save their lives.
The Army and disaster management teams were busy doing their work with dedication trying to locate more trapped and dead bodies spread in a large area.
PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have assured every help to Kerala CM P Vijayan.
Union Minister George Kurian has rushed to the place of disaster to supervise rescue and relief operation going on war footing.
