Kerala Minister AK Saseendran confirmed that 54 people have died so far in the landslides that hit the Meppadi area in Wayanad in the early hours of Tuesday.
Army and Air Force have also been mobilied for the rescue operations in the area, that have been hampered as a main bridge has collapsed in the town of Chooralmala. The Kerala Chief Minister's Office said that police drones and a dog squad will be deployed for search and rescue efforts as
Speaking in Rajya Sabha, Union Minister JP Nadda said that the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working proactively given the tragedy.
At least 44 people were killed and around 70 were injured following a series of massive landslides that struck Meppadi in the state's Wayanad in the early hours of July 30.
Minister Rajesh said that 250 people have been rescued so far and were shifted to temporary shelters. He added that rescue operations are undertaken on war-footing.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his condolences over the loss of life due to landslides in Kerala's Wayanad and said the Tamil Nadu government is ready to provide any assistance to Kerala in this crisis.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged the central and state governments to expedite relief and rescue operations after landslides in Kerala's Wayanad claimed 24 lives on Tuesday.
The NDRF is conducting search and rescue operations on a war footing. The second team is on its way to further strengthen the response operation. My condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured, Shah said.
"We are trying every possible thing to rescue our people. We have received 24 bodies in different hospitals. Around 70 people are also injured. We have ensured proper treatment of the injured," Geroge told reporters here today.
Congress MP Manish Tewari on Tuesday gave an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha demanding a discussion on the border situation and the huge trade deficit with China.