Disaster in Kerala: Soldiers Race Against Time to Rescue Landslide Victims

Indian soldiers are hastily building a metal bridge in Kerala to rescue survivors and recover bodies after devastating landslides killed at least 189 people. Torrential rains triggered the landslides, resulting in mudslides and flooding. Rescue efforts have been hampered, but authorities remain committed to recovery operations.

Indian soldiers are racing to complete a metal bridge on Thursday to connect the worst-hit area in the Kerala landslides, as the search continues for survivors and bodies following the disaster that has claimed at least 189 lives.

Heavy rain in Kerala, a popular tourist destination in southern India, caused landslides in Wayanad district on Tuesday. Torrents of mud, water, and boulders descended, burying and sweeping people away as they slept.

Army engineers scrambled to build a 190-foot (58 m) bridge to transport heavy equipment from Chooralmala to Mundakkai after the rising water washed away a makeshift bridge. "Our bridge will be ready in a few hours and will bring a major change," said V.T. Mathew, a senior army rescue official.

The ongoing rescue efforts have been hindered by steady rain and limited road access. Light rain continued on Thursday as workers sifted through debris. Recovery efforts will accelerate once the new bridge is operational.

Authorities said they did not expect to find more survivors and were primarily focused on retrieving bodies. Nearly 1,600 people have been rescued, while the death toll is expected to rise once the bridge construction is completed.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin extended condolences, commending the bravery of the Indian rescue teams. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi have also visited to oversee the rescue operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)