Helicopter Search Intensifies in Kerala's Chaliyar River After Devastating Landslides

A week after catastrophic landslides in Kerala's north district, search operations, focused on the Chaliyar river and its basin, continue. Authorities have deployed a helicopter team to scan the water body for remains and bodies. The death toll has risen to 226, with inaccessible areas posing challenges.

A week after devastating landslides ravaged the north Kerala district, claiming hundreds of lives, search operations on Tuesday will focus on the Chaliyar river basin. A special team on helicopter will scan the waterbody for bodies or remains, according to the district administration.

District Collector Meghashree D R announced that search efforts will be concentrated near the river's school, village, and downstream regions. 'Intensive search operations are underway,' she stated.

ADGP M R Ajithkumar revealed that inaccessible areas along the Chaliyar river had left some local volunteers stranded in recent days, necessitating their rescue. 'We've decided to exclude local volunteers and form two teams of police SOG and army commandos. They will be air-dropped into those areas and any bodies discovered will be airlifted,' Ajithkumar said.

He added that the search operations are in their final stages, with certain land areas covered in approximately 50 meters of mud still to be searched. 'Heavy machinery and personnel can't access those spots,' he explained. As of Monday, the death toll has escalated to 226.