Major Landslide in Munnar, NDRF team deployed; roads leading to Idukki district closed

Kerala: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted that an NDRF team had been deployed, with a second team - based in nearby Thrissur - also on its way to engage in rescue operations in Munnar, following major landslides in multiple areas.

Kerala: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted that an NDRF team had been deployed, with a second team - based in nearby Thrissur - also on its way to engage in rescue operations in Munnar, following major landslides in multiple areas. 

The Chief Minister's Office has also requested the Indian Air Force to provide helicopters to aid in rescue efforts.

Heavy rains and flooding in Kerala's Idukki district led to multiple landslides on early Friday morning. The landslide are reported in Rajamalai area of the district. As the route leading to the area is devastated, there might be a delay in rescue operations. 

On Thursday heavy rains caused a temporary bridge in Idukki district to collapse. Over 70 residents are suspected to be stuck in the floods, official sources say. 

Forest and other emergency services personnel have reached the spot have confirmed that the power lines have snapped because of the rains.

"An NDRF team has been deployed to rescue landslide victims in Rajamalai, Idukki. Police, Fire Force, Forest & Revenue officials have been instructed to join rescue efforts. Another team of NDRF, based in Thrissur, will soon reach Idukki," the Chief Minister said.

The district also saw floods in low-lying areas like Munnar, which is near Rajamalai, because of rising water levels of the Muthirapuzha River.

Several roads and highways in Idukki district has been closed due to rains. 

Malappuram district officials have opened nine camps, seven of which are in Nilambur town that was briefly flooded after the Chaliyar River overflowed.

"A total of 410 people are in the seven camps with adherence to COVID-19 protocol," a district disaster management authority official told PTI.

Meanwhile, Wayanad district administration has opened 12 camps and shifted at least 560 people.

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