Chennai, Nov. 10 (ANI): A major landslide, triggered by seasonal torrential rains, has killed at least 42 people in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri district.

“In this heavy rain and flash flood nine people got trapped in the debris and five people of one family died due to this landslide. We have not witnessed such heavy rain so far and this is first time such landslide took place,” said Pradeep, a local resident.

According to official sources, about 14 bodies were recovered from debris on Monday and rest were found on Tuesday.

Injured people have been hospitalised.

“Due to heavy rain for the past two days, we are engaged in the rescue operation in Keti village. In this flash flood, over five people had been washed away in this Keti area alone and we have rescued two people where as the search and rescue operation is on in other areas of Nilgiri district as well,” said Subramaniam, a fire officer.

The death toll might rise further as the rescue operation is still going on.

Transportation in the state has also been affected severely due to landslides.

Tourists have been advised not to travel to Ooty, a famous tourist destination.

The Regional Metereological Department has warned of continuing heavy rains in the next 24 hours. (ANI)