More than 40 dead in landslides in southern India triggered by heavy rains

Jul 30 (EUROPA PRESS) –

At least 43 people have died and dozens more are feared trapped after heavy rains in the southern Indian state of Kerala triggered at least three landslides in just four hours.

The Indian Armed Forces have deployed around 200 Defence Security Corps personnel and a medical team to assist with the rescue efforts. Air Force helicopters have also been sent in, the Indian Express reports.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his concern over the incident and announced that the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) will allocate 200,000 rupees (about 2,200 euros) to the families of each deceased person.

“I am saddened by the landslides in some parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and my prayers are with the injured,” Modi said on social media.

Leader of the Opposition and former MP from Wayanad district, Rahul Gandhi, has urged the government to provide all necessary support to boost rescue efforts and provide medical care to the injured.