South India landslides death toll rises to 66

The death toll from multiple landslides amid heavy rains in India’s southern state of Kerala rose to 66 on Tuesday, and the number of injured persons rose to above 70.
According to local officials, at least three massive landslides struck the Meppadi area of Kerala’s Wayanad district at around 02:00 a.m. local time, when the people were still asleep.
Rescue operations are still going on amid heavy rains.
The report said hundreds were feared trapped in Wayanad landslides, and the army was called in.
It added that several villages were among the worst affected areas.
Many people were feared to have been washed away in the Chaliyar River.
A bridge in Wayanad district that connected the affected areas to the nearby town of Chooralmala was washed away.
The Indian army said it has deployed 225 personnel, including medical teams, to the affected areas.
Two Indian Air Force helicopters were deployed to carry out rescue operations.
The Prime Minister’s Office announced a compensation of 200,000 Indian rupees (or 2,389 U.S. dollars) for the family of each deceased, while every injured person would be given 50,000 Indian rupees (597 dollars) in compensation.
(Xinhua/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

NationWide
No regime change; disgruntled Nigerians free to protest while we continue ‘eating’: Akpabio
Mr Akpabio appealed to Nigerians to give Mr Tinubu’s administration more time so its policies could yield results.

States
Edo human trafficking trajectory has reduced significantly: IOM
He stated that IOM had also created awareness against human trafficking to reduce the scourge in the state.

States
Nigerian Navy hands over 85 bags of cannabis sativa to NDLEA
Mr Ahom said the market value of the drugs would be close to N400 million, and its effects on society could be quite devastating.

NationWide
Customers besiege banks for reactivation over CBN’s dormant account policy
Ms Olaedo appealed to banks and the CBN to ensure the safety of customers’ monies, especially those abroad.

States
#EndbadGovernance protest unnecessary; Nigerians should be patient, dialogue with govt: Aiyedatiwa
“Do not underestimate anyone; stay vigilant, engage with the community, and convey to our people that protests are unnecessary; dialogue is the best approach,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said.

Anti-Corruption
EFCC probes NAHCON chair over mismanagement of N90 billion Hajj fund
Mr Arabi was at the office of the EFCC to answer questions on how the commission spent the N90 billion subsidy for the exercise.