NEW YORK: US President Joe Biden expressed his deepest condolences on the deadly landslides in Kerala. He said in a statement that his prayers are with the victims of this tragedy. He also lauded the rescue workers. Biden also said that America is with the people of India.

Meantime, the rescue operations are progressing in Wayanad. There are about 2,000 people on the mission team. A search will be conducted focusing on the last mobile phone of the missing people. More than two hundred people, including twenty-nine children, are missing.

Almost 300 bodies have been found so far. Out of this, 107 bodies have been handed over to their relatives after completing the procedures. 96 people are undergoing treatment in various hospitals. There are 91 relief camps in the district.

A 500-strong force of the Army conducted searches in the Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas despite heavy rains yesterday. Three sniffer dogs were also there for the search. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has informed that a four-member cabinet sub-committee has been appointed to continue the rescue mission and rehabilitation activities. 348 buildings including houses were destroyed in the landslide.

Demand to declare as national disaster
Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has announced that will request the Centre to declare the landslide in Wayanad as a national disaster. He said that he will demand this in the meeting of the governors.