Thiruvananthapuram: Union Minister Suresh Gopi said that the Central Government is boud to help and support the State Government of Kerala with funds and by enhancing rescue operations in every possible way.

He was speaking to the media here. 

"I contacted the Prime Minister this morning. Arrangements have been made to gather all the necessary resources to ensure the rescue operations continue smoothly. The Prime Minister has spoken with the Kerala Chief Minister and assured all possible assistance from the Centre. The Chief Collector and Secretary are in constant contact with the Chief Minister and me to coordinate the operations," Gopi stated.

He said that BJP president J P Nadda has called on all BJP local workers to reach out and support the disaster management rescue teams in their efforts.

According to local reports, the number of casualties could rise as massive rocks have moved in with the mud. There may be people injured and still trapped between the rocks.

"The rescue operations face severe challenges now due to adverse climatic conditions. Strong winds and heavy rains are expected to continue for another 24 hours, according to the IMD. Choppers are having difficulty landing. The only access route, a bridge used by the NDRF team, has been completely washed away. Local residents are arranging logs and other available resources to construct a makeshift bridge to help the NDRF team cross and reach the affected area for further assistance," Gopi added.

The landslides occurred around 2 am on Tuesday initially, followed by another at approximately 4:10 am. Reports indicate a foreign national among the deceased. Many people are stranded in the affected area as heavy rains continue.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that all government agencies have joined the search and rescue operations. The operations will be coordinated and State ministers will reach the hilly district to lead the rescue activities, he added.