Wayanad: Relief and rescue operations are underway following a massive landslide in Kerala's Wayanad early on Tuesday. Three days after the natural disaster, rescue teams have not given up hope and are using drone images and GPS from cell phones to locate survivors.

Drones are capable of finding people buried under debris

To speed up the rescue operation, four special drones and technical teams were sent by aircraft C-130J from Hindon Air Force Station near Delhi at 12:40 pm on Friday. The drones will fly in the sky, and with the special sensors and radars installed, they will be able to locate people buried under debris up to three meters below.

210 bodies recovered

The sensors installed in the area where the drone will be flown will scan the debris up to three meters. This will help identify people buried under debris in that area. Kerala Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas said on Friday that the death toll in the landslide has risen to 210. 210 bodies have been recovered, including 83 women and 29 children.

300 people are still missing

The minister said that 119 bodies have been handed over to the relatives of the deceased. About 300 people are still missing, due to which the death toll is expected to increase. The minister said that about 1,374 rescue workers are engaged in searching for survivors in the landslide-affected areas. On Friday, a family of four was rescued from an abandoned house near Padavetti Kunnu.

Helicopter's help is also being taken.

Officials said an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) was deployed to facilitate the rescue operation. Taking prompt action, the stranded persons were evacuated in time. The Army said one of the rescued women was suffering from a leg problem and was provided with necessary medical aid.

Army prepared Bailey Bridge.

The rescue operation has gained momentum after the Army constructed a 190-foot long Bailey bridge. Rescue workers have been able to move heavy equipment including excavators and ambulances to Mundakkai and Choorlamalla settlements, the worst affected by the landslide. According to official sources, the human loss will be known when the rescue teams clear the houses covered with debris and wooden logs using heavy machinery.