Authorities say they have mobilised helicopters to help with rescue efforts and the Indian army has been brought in to build a temporary bridge after landslides destroyed a main crossing that linked the affected area.
ADVERTISEMENTAt least 63 people have died and hundreds are believed to be buried following landslides caused by heavy flooding in southern India, with authorities warning on Tuesday that the death toll may continue to rise.
The villages affected are located in a hilly region of the Wayanad district, in the state of Kerala.
Rescuers are working hard to extract the missing from the debris, but their efforts are hampered by blocked roads and unstable terrain.
Images from television stations on the ground showed rescue workers making their way through mud and over uprooted trees to reach those who had been stranded. Vehicles swept off the roads were seen stuck in a swollen river.
Authorities say they have mobilised helicopters to help with rescue efforts, and the Indian army was roped in to build a temporary bridge after landslides destroyed a main crossing that linked the affected area.
"We are trying every way to rescue our people," state Health Minister Veena George said.
Meanwhile, India's weather department has put Kerala on alert as incessant rains lash the state.
Downpours have disrupted life for many and authorities closed schools in some parts Tuesday. More rain is predicted throughout the day.
Kerala is prone to heavy rains, flooding and landslides. Nearly 500 people were killed there in 2018 in one of the worst floods.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the relatives of the deceased and offered his support to the injured.
"Upset by the landslides in part of Wayanad. My thoughts go out to those who have lost their loved ones, and my prayers to the injured," he posted on X.
India regularly has severe floods during the monsoon season, which runs between June and September and brings most of South Asia's annual rainfall.
The rains are crucial for rain-fed crops planted during the season but they often cause extensive damage.
According to scientists, the impact of the monsoons is becoming increasingly severe as a result of climate change.