The death toll from the devastating landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district rose to 358 on Saturday, as rescuers raced against time to find survivors.
The state government confirmed the latest figures, while over 250 people remain missing.
The Kerala government requested the Centre to send deep search radars to enhance rescue efforts.
Over 1,300 rescuers, including the Indian Army, Kerala Police, and emergency service units, are combing through debris and destroyed buildings with heavy machinery and sophisticated equipment, India Today reports. Private search and rescue companies and volunteers have also joined the efforts.
The Kerala government has issued guidelines for collecting DNA and dental samples for body identification. Each body or body part is assigned an identification number, which must be documented in all samples, photographs, and videos. Unidentified bodies will be released to the district administration for further action after 72 hours.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who visited Wayanad on Thursday and Friday, highlighted the unprecedented nature of the tragedy and promised to address the issue with both the Kerala government and the Centre. He also announced that the Congress party would build over 100 houses for affected families.
The Centre issued a fresh draft notification to declare over 56,800 square kilometers of the Western Ghats, including 13 villages in Wayanad, as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). The draft notification invites suggestions and objections within 60 days.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced on Saturday that the state will build 100 houses for those affected by the devastating landslides in Wayanad.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in Wayanad for Saturday and until August 6.
