At least 24 people have died and dozens more are believed to be trapped after heavy rains triggered massive landslides in the southern Indian state of Kerala.
Landslides occurred in hilly areas of Wayanad district early Tuesday morning.
Rescue operations are underway, but are being hampered by heavy rain and the collapse of a key bridge.
“We will only be able to assess the extent of the damage in a few hours,” Minister AK Saseendran told BBC Hindi.
Local hospitals were treating at least 66 injured people, Mr Saseendran said, adding that hospital staff were also among those missing in the landslide.
Wayanad, a hilly district in the Western Ghats, is prone to landslides during the monsoon season.
Landslides occurred in several areas in the district, including Mundakkai, Attamala, Choorallmala and Kunhome.
A bridge connecting Choorallmala with Mundakkai and Attamala collapsed, isolating the two places and making it difficult for rescuers to reach trapped families.
State and national disaster relief teams are conducting rescue operations. Some locals have also helped.
Mr Saseendran also said the army and air force had been asked to airlift stranded families and erect a temporary bridge.
Wayanad district and adjoining areas are on alert due to forecast of heavy rain.
Schools and colleges have closed in 10 of the state’s 14 counties.
In 2019, 17 people were killed after a landslide occurred in Puthumala in Wayanad, about 10km from the currently affected area.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured the federal government of support for the relief efforts.
Mr Modi also announced compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,388; £1,857) to the families of the victims and 50,000 rupees to those injured.
Additional reporting by Ashraf Padanna in Trivandrum, Kerala
