Scores missing as India landslides kill 158

BBC:

The death toll from the massive landslides that have hit the southern Indian state of Kerala has now crossed 158, with officials saying more than 220 people are still missing.

Rescue workers say they are searching under collapsed roofs and debris of destroyed houses for possible survivors.

Thick torrents of mud and water swept through the region early Tuesday morning, flattening homes and uprooting trees.

Heavy rains continue in the area, hampering rescue operations.

The landslides are the worst disaster to hit the state since 2018, when floods killed more than 400 people.

The disaster took place in Wayanad district’s Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas, which are surrounded by tea and cardamom estates.

Rescue operations, that had halted late Tuesday night, resumed on Wednesday morning.