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A bridge in the district connecting the affected areas, mostly tea and cardamom estates, to the nearest town of Choramala was destroyed, following which the army was asked to build a temporary bridge, Sasendran added.
The Indian military said it had sent more than 200 soldiers to the area to assist national security forces and firefighters in search and rescue efforts.
“It is suspected that hundreds of people are trapped,” the statement said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had assured the Kerala government of “all possible help” to resolve the issue.
“My heart goes out to all those who have lost loved ones and my prayers are with those who are injured,” he posted on social media platform X.
His office said the victim’s family will receive 200,000 rupees ($2,400) in compensation.
Local news channel Asia Television reported that landslides in the area caused severe damage and killed as many as 41 people.
Television footage showed rescuers pushing through rocks and uprooted trees as mud and water poured in, destroying many homes.
A man struggled to free himself after being trapped for hours in chest-deep mud, but rescuers were unable to free him despite repeated efforts.
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