In the southern Indian state of Kerala, rescue workers are racing against time to find survivors as heavy rains continue to delay efforts following devastating landslides.
The disaster was triggered by torrential downpours earlier this week. The situation worsened on Thursday as more rain fell, complicating the search for survivors.
As of now, the landslides have claimed at least 194 lives, with more than 180 people still missing.
According to news reports, rescue workers are facing difficult conditions as they search through mud and debris in the hilly, forested region.
PM Manoj, a spokesman for Kerala state’s top elected official, reported that nearly 40 bodies were found downstream after being swept approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) down the Chaliyar River from the landslide site in Wayanad district.
Body parts were also recovered from the area.
The landslides have swept through tea estates and villages, flattening houses and destroying bridges along the way.
Rescue teams have been working around the clock to pull people from the mud and debris, but hopes of finding survivors are fading.
As of Thursday, 187 people remained unaccounted for, and 186 others were reported injured. Many of the victims are believed to be tea estate workers.
Despite the challenging conditions, more than 5,500 people have been rescued so far.
The government has deployed around 1,100 rescue personnel, helicopters, and heavy equipment to aid in the operations. The army is also constructing a temporary bridge in one of the worst-affected areas after the main bridge was swept away.
Kerala is known as one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, but the region is prone to heavy rains, flooding, and landslides.
The India Meteorological Department reported that Wayanad district received up to 28 centimeters (11 inches) of rain on Monday and Tuesday, triggering the deadly landslides.
