Wayanad, Aug 2 (UNI) The death toll in landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district has risen to 289 with 240 people still missing, officials said on Friday.

More than 213 people are undergoing treatment at various hospitals after massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Wayanad early on Tuesday, they said.

Meanwhile, 40 search teams have been formed to conduct search in six zones. The first zone consists of Attamala and Aranmala, the second zone is Mundakai, the third zone is Amlimattam, the fourth zone is Vellarmala Village Road, the fifth zone is GVHSS Vellarmala and the sixth zone is Atiwara.

Each team will have three locals, one forest department employee and members of Army, Navy, Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force and others.

The teams, with the support of police and local swimmers, will also conduct search in a 40-km stretch of Chaliyar river areas coming under the jurisdiction of eight police stations, officials said.

A parallel search will be conducted using a police helicopter.

A team of 10-member trained specialist 'Search And Rescue' (SAR) dogs has also been deployed in rescue operations, officials said.

UNI DS GNK RC