Search operations in landslide-affected areas in Wayanad enter the sixth day on Sunday. Authorities have focused search operations in areas where recovery of bodies are high and along the Chaliyar river, as several bodies were recovered downstream. The death toll crossed 350 on Saturday and over 200 persons are still missing.
The authorities have categorised the search and rescue operations into six zones. Over 1,500 personnel including armed forces, Kerala police, Fire and Rescue and volunteers are involved in the rescue operations. P.A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Public Works said search operations will continue in the 40-kilometre stretch of the Chaliyar river, which flows through Wayanad, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts, as many bodies and remains were recovered from it near Nilambur in Malappuram, PTI reported.
Riyas said the search operations are focused on places where chances of finding remains under debris are high. He added more equipment and force have been deployed in such areas. He added rehabilitation will be done after discussions with those affected. The state government is planning to establish a new township to rehabilitate displaced victims.
Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran said they are yet to get an absolute figure of a total number of persons who were present at the affected places as there were persons from other states as well for work.