At least 15 people have been killed after heavy rain caused a landslide in Kerala’s Idukki district on Friday morning.
The landslide happened in the Rajamalai area of the district, which is around 25 km from the tourist town of Munnar.
At least 80 people lived in the area, authorities don’t know how many of them were trapped under the mud.
Heavy rains swept away a connecting bridge making access to the area difficult.
Idukki district also saw floods in low-lying areas like Munnar, which is a popular tourist destination near Rajamalai, because of rising water levels of a nearby river.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted Friday afternoon to say he was “pained by the loss of lives” and to announce compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund of ₹2 lakh to each of the those killed.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also announced ₹5 lakh as compensation for the families of those killed.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have reached on site to help with rescue and relief efforts.
Chief Minister Vijayan warned all people in red alert-districts to prepare for more rain and of the increased likelihood of landslides.
Prepare For More Downpours.
🟥 Red Alerts issued for 6 districts
🌧️ Heavy rains have increased the likelihood for debris flows, soil erosion & landslides.
✅ Listen to the instructions of local officials. pic.twitter.com/UUTsJpdRfa
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) August 7, 2020