As the massive search and rescue operations in Wayanad’s Mundakkai continue braving rains, Kerala ADGP M R Ajith Kumar on Friday said approximately 300 people were still missing in the devastating landslides that hit the region.
The death toll in the landslides on Tuesday triggered by heavy rains reached 190 yesterday while the authorities expected it to rise in the coming days.
Talking to the media while coordinating the search and rescue missions, Kumar said around 300 people were still missing but the final number can be ascertained only after the Revenue Department collects the details.
“Based on the information we have received till now, approximately around 300 people are still missing. However, the Revenue Department is still collating the details. Within one or two days we will be able to get a final picture,” Kumar said.
The ADGP, who is in charge of Law and Order in the state, said the landslide-affected areas has been divided into six zones and separate search teams with cadaver dogs have initiated the search operations.
He said the Kerala police, with the help of specialised agencies, will undertake combing in the Chaliyar river till Kozhikode city.