Kerala: Idukki landslide toll rises to 65

The death toll in the Rajamala landslide rose to 65 on Thursday after three more bodies were found in a search operation using radar system in Kerala's Idukki, the district information office said.

The deceased have been identified as Kaushika (15), Shivarajini (15) and Muthulakshmi (26).

"The bodies of Kaushika (15), Shivarajini (15) and Muthulakshmi (26) were found today (in the 14th day of search operations). The search was carried out using the radar system today as well. Search will continue on tomorrow," district office said.

"Five dead bodies are yet to be recovered," the office added.

The incident occurred in Idukki district on August 7.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palswami on Wednesday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each to the kin of deceased in Rajamala landslide.

Financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each was also announced for the severely injured people in the landslide.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said the government will ensure the rehabilitation of the families affected in the landslide.

While Vijayan had announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakhs to kin of the deceased, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs each from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

( With inputs from ANI )