Rescuer search continues as deaths rise to 166 in landslides in southern India

O.S. Jerry, a cardamom estate manager, said he regularly traveled through the district. “There was a lovely school over here,” he said, adding that many houses were now gone.

Yunus, another tea estate manager, said two villages were washed away. “We have been able to find 200 people. Many others are missing,” said Yunus, who also uses one name.

The first landslide hit at 2 a.m. Tuesday (4:30 p.m. Monday ET), followed by another two hours later. Several areas, including Meppadi, Mundakkai and Chooralmala, were isolated, and roads were washed away, Vijayan said. “Efforts to locate missing persons continue with all available resources.”

Mundakkai is highly prone to disasters. Gushing soil, gravel and rock reached the town of Chooralmala, 3.7 miles away.

Manoj said more than 8,300 people have been moved to 82 government-run relief camps. The government is ensuring food delivery and essential items to the relief camps.

Authorities sent vehicles carrying more than 5,000 gallons of drinking water to the disaster area. Temporary hospitals are being set up, according to a Tuesday night statement.

The Press Trust of India news agency said more than 300 houses were destroyed in Mundakkai and Chooralmala.

Local media reported that most of the victims were tea estate workers. Television footage showed rescue workers making their way through mud and uprooted trees to reach those who were stranded. Vehicles swept off the roads were seen stuck in a swollen river. Local TV news channels also aired phone calls from stranded people asking for help.

The army was building a temporary bridge.