Wayanad Landslides: Death Toll Reaches 291; Several Still Missing

The death toll in the massive landslides that hit Kerala's Wayanad district has reached 291. The search and rescue mission, led by the Army, is ongoing in the landslide-hit Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas, as several people are still reported missing. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alert in the Wayanad district until Saturday.

The Madras Engineering Group of the Indian Army has completed the construction of the Bailey bridge connecting Mundakkai and Chooralmala. The construction of the 190-foot-long bridge, which can withstand 24 tonnes of weight, began at 9.30 pm on Wednesday and was completed by 5.30 pm on Thursday. Reports indicate that a drone-based radar from Delhi will arrive on Saturday to search for survivors. At the same time, authorities are also conducting search along the banks of the river Chaliyar and those places where the bodies are likely to have washed up.

US President Joe Biden expressed his deepest condolences on the deadly landslides in Kerala. "Jill and I extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by the deadly landslides in the state of Kerala in India. Our prayers are with the victims of this tragic event, and we mourn with the families who have lost loved ones," said Joe Biden in a statement released on August 1. The US president also commended the bravery of the service members and first responders supporting the recovery effort. "We will continue to hold the people of India in our thoughts during this difficult time," added Biden.