344 dead in Wayanad landslides, deep search radars used to find survivors

The search and rescue operations to locate survivors and bodies of victims of the landslides that ravaged Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Attamala in Wayanad reached the final stage on Saturday, the fifth day of the mission.

Joint teams of Central and State forces concentrated their efforts on Punchirimattam, Chooralmala, and Mundakkai areas of the landslide-hit region. As many as five bodies were recovered on Saturday, including one from Mundakkai and three from Chooralmala.

The official death toll rose to 219, of which 152 bodies were identified. Rescue teams also retrieved 143 body parts from various locations. A total of 10,042 people are staying in 93 relief camps in the district. As many as 88 people are undergoing treatment at various hospitals, while 215 were discharged.