Wayanad landslides: Massive search operation underway; death toll crosses 300 mark

A massive search operation is underway in Wayanad, where a major landslide last Tuesday caused heavy damage to life and property. Army personnel, police and rescue workers have fanned out in the affected areas, in search of bodies amongst the rubble and debris spread over  large tracts of altered landscape. Bodies are being traced and  extricated out of the rubble,  amidst  several layers of displaced soil and rock, boulders,  and uprooted trees. The search teams are  assisted by sniffer dogs of the army and the  police.

Meanwhile the death toll in the tragedy has crossed the 300 mark. Latest reports said 308 persons have lost their lives in the tragedy. Over 7000 persons have been accommodated in 91 relief camps in the district.

In Kerala, the Army said it has found four persons alive at Padavettikunnu area in the landslide hit  Wayanad district. The survivors include a woman and a girl. The girl has an injury on her leg. The Army said their evacuation by air is being coordinated.