Death toll mounts to 270: Nearly 225 persons still missing; schools, colleges closed

In Wayanad, after a devastating landslide increased the death toll to 270 and left over 225 people missing, rescue operations intensified with military assistance. Aid deliveries and infrastructure repairs were organized amidst criticism of the local government's response to prior warnings. The Kerala government declared a holiday to manage the crisis. Efforts to locate survivors persisted.