Kerala's Deadly Landslides: Rescue Operations and Infrastructure Challenges

Indian soldiers are hastening the construction of a metal bridge to reach areas affected by devastating landslides in Kerala, which have killed at least 178 people. The disaster continues as rain hampers rescue operations while the search for survivors goes on. Further heavy rainfall is forecasted in the next 24 hours.

Indian soldiers hastened the construction of a metal bridge on Thursday to connect the hardest-hit area in the Kerala landslides, as the search for survivors and bodies entered its third day in a disaster that has claimed at least 178 lives.

Heavy rain in Kerala state, one of India's top tourist spots, triggered the landslides in Wayanad district early Tuesday, sending mud, water, and boulders downhill, burying or sweeping away residents as they slept. Army engineers scrambled to construct a 190-foot bridge to transport heavy equipment from Chooralmala to the affected area, Mundakkai, after rising river levels washed away a temporary bridge on Wednesday.

The main bridge was destroyed in Tuesday's landslides, isolating Mundakkai. "Our bridge is nearing completion, and it will bring a significant change," senior army official V.T. Mathew told ANI news agency. The bridge will enable the induction of equipment to dig for survivors. Rain and rising water levels have hampered rescue efforts, with more heavy rain expected in the next 24 hours.

(With inputs from agencies.)