Toll In Kerala Landslide Crosses 200, Many Missing

It is a race against time as rescue workers in disaster-hit Wayanad in Kerala even as the death toll has crossed 200 on Thursday. With nearly 200 still people missing, the death count is expected to rise.

Piyush Anand, Director General of the National Disaster Response Force, said four teams are currently present in Wayanad and they are trying their best to save as many people as possible.

“We responded immediately. The situation is still unfolding. It’s a very bad disaster which has happened. Specifically, how many casualties, it’s not possible to give the number as of now. The main challenge that we faced was that the main bridge washed away. Our team had to cross the bridge which was flowing at a high current and then they had to set up a rescue centre there. There was a lot of mud and slush, our men had to carry their equipment on their backs which was very heavy,” he said.

He further mentioned that as of now there are 12 teams in Kerala and four of them are in Wayanad. “NDRF teams are engaged in rescue work. Our four teams are present there. We rescued people using the rope rescue technique. Indian Army and Air Force are also present there; the Indian Army is trying to build a Bailey bridge there.