KERALA, India (Bernama): At least three people were killed and several others were trapped under debris after a landslide at a major tunnel construction site in the southern Indian state of Kerala on Tuesday.
The landslide occurred at Kalladi, where the tunnel linking the districts of Malappuram and Wayanad is under construction, local media reported.
The death toll was expected to rise as rescue efforts were under way to save seven people buried in the mud.
At least five people were also injured in the incident, with Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan appearing to blame the contractors.
He alleged that they had been instructed in advance by government authorities to remove the large quantity of earth that had accumulated in the area but had failed to comply, The Hindu newspaper reported.
The landslide-hit area has received heavy rainfall since Monday, with the India Meteorological Department on Tuesday warning of more intense rain in the districts of Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod.
Residents and tourists in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh were advised to exercise caution as the weather department forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, monsoon rains continued to affect flights in Delhi and Mumbai on Tuesday, with airlines warning of delays and cancellations.
-- BERNAMA
