At least 13 people have lost their lives in a landslide in Kerala's Idukki district, NDTV reported. The incident occurred when a mound of earth caved in, triggered by heavy rains, killing several tea estate workers.
At least 70 people were suspected to be trapped under the soil, burying as many as 20 houses of plantation workers.
The report notes that 12 people who were rescued are currently being treated at the Tata General Hospital in Munnar.
The India Meteorological Department had issued a red alert for Idukki, indicating extremely heavy rainfall on August 7.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said a 50-member strong special task force team of the Fire Force has been dispatched to Rajamalai in Idukki district to aid the rescue effort.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted:
The Centre has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the landslide in Rajamalai. Also, Rs 50,000 each would be given to those injured in the incident.
(With agency inputs)
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