Munnar (Idduki) Landslide Update: 8 tea estate workers were killed when a mound of earth caved in on a row of houses at Pettimudi in the high range Idukki district early Friday morning as heavy rains pounded the area triggering a landslide. News agency PTI has confirmed that eight bodies have been recovered. Five others who were injured have been rushed to the Tata General Hospital. At least 70 more people were suspected to be trapped under the soil, burying as many as 20 houses of plantation workers. Police and Fire service personnel rushed to the spot and the district administration has asked hospitals in the region to stay prepared. Kerala Health Department has dispatched 15 ambulances and a special medical team to provide medical assistance to those affected by the landslides in Idukki.
Major landslide in Munnar, Kerala after heavy rainfall.CM Pinarayi Vijayan seeks IAF help
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has contacted the Air Force seeking its helicopter for the rescue mission in Idukki.
"The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed for the rescue operations in Idukki. The team was already stationed in the district.
Another NDRF team from Thrissur was also directed to move to Idukki," Vijayan said in a Facebook post.
Rains lash Kerala
Heavy rainfall have been continuing in Kerala districts including Wayanad. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert of extremely heavy rainfall warning for the state till August 11.
"So far, 10 people have been rescued. The landslide occurred at a place where tea plantation workers reside. We don't know the exact numbers yet, but at least three families are stranded there," Idukki SP said.
Several people are feared trapped after landslide took place in Kerala's Munnar.
Most of those trapped are believed to be tea cultivators in Munnar landslide.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall have led to waterlogged streets in Malappuram's Nilambur area.
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