18 dead in landslide at Rajamala in Kerala

Settlement of tea estate workers in Rajamalai of Idukki was hit by the landslide early on Friday.

At least 18 people were killed and several feared buried under the debris after a landslide due to heavy rain at Rajamalai in Idukki district. Searth operations will continue today.

Officials say the landslide happened in the Rajamalai area of the district, which is around 25 km from the tourist town of Munnar. Around 80 people lived in the area, officials said, adding that they do not know, at this point, how many more are trapped under the mud.

A 50-member strong special task force of the state fire service and NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) team were reached the landslide site for rescrue operations.

In its bulletin, IMD says, “Widespread rainfall activity along with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Kerala & Mahe and widespread rainfall activity is likely over Lakshadweep during the next week”.