Kerala, August 2- The death toll from the devastating landslides in Kerala has risen to 308, with hundreds injured and at least three hundred people still missing. The disaster, triggered by heavy rains, hit tea plantations in the hilly Wanad district, causing widespread devastation.

According to Indian news agency NDTV, rescue workers are tirelessly working to find survivors amidst the mud-drenched tea plantations and villages. Many are feared to be trapped under the debris, complicating rescue efforts. The continuous heavy rains have hampered the progress of the rescue operations, with authorities fearing that the death toll may rise further.

The state and central governments have deployed troops who are constructing temporary bridges over the raging rivers to facilitate the rescue operations. The full extent of the catastrophe is becoming clear as rescue teams uncover more bodies and assist the injured. Over two hundred people are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.

The landslides have nearly obliterated two villages, leaving many areas isolated. Relief efforts have been hindered due to blocked roads in the affected areas. The district experienced an extraordinary 572 mm of rain in the two days preceding the landslides, worsening the situation.

The Hindu reported that villages such as Durgat Mundakkai, Churmala, Attmala, and Nulpuzha are now cut off due to the landslides. Floodwaters have swept vehicles away, leaving them lodged in tree trunks or submerged in water across the region.

State Forest Minister AK Saseendran described the situation as critical and stated that all government agencies have been mobilized to assist in rescue operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, assuring full support from the central government. He has directed BJP chief JP Nadda to mobilize party workers to assist in the rescue efforts. Union Minister Suresh Gopi, the BJP's sole MP from Kerala, has also been contacted by the Prime Minister to coordinate relief efforts.

The people of Kerala face a challenging time as rescue and relief efforts continue in the wake of this natural disaster. The focus remains on saving as many lives as possible and providing necessary aid to the affected regions.