UPDATE 4 - Over 100 killed, 98 missing in landslides in southern India

UPDATES DEATH TOLL; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - More than 100 people were killed and many others went missing after heavy rains triggered landslides in India's southern state of Kerala, officials said on Tuesday.

A massive search operation is underway in the Wayanad district of Kerala, where hundreds of people are feared to be trapped. Indian army and air force personnel have been deployed to rescue the people.

A state official told Anadolu that more than 100 people had died and at least 98 were reported missing.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said 128 people were receiving treatment for injuries. The landslides are a "heart-wrenching disaster" and an “entire area has been wiped out,” he added.

The official said heavy rainfall was hindering the rescue efforts.

Home Minister Amit Shah said the National Disaster Response Force is conducting search and rescue operations on a “war footing.” “The second team is on its way to further strengthen the response operation,” he wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened by the landslides. “Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected,” he added.

Modi said he spoke to and also assured all “possible help from the centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there."

Vijayan’s office earlier said the chief minister had given directions to coordinate the rescue operations promptly.