Machinery is used to sift through debris in the southern Indian state of Kerala, on Wednesday, as a medical team arrives. More than 120 people have died, since continuous heavy rain caused huge landslides in the early hours of Tuesday.

Rescue operations continued this week, but more than 100 people remained trapped in areas unreachable by emergency services.

Early last week, landslides had also devastated parts of south-western Ethiopia, killing more than 250 people. Thousands were evacuated because of the risk of further landslides. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that the number of the dead could reach 500.

The general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Revd Professor Jerry Pillay, has written to the churches and communities in the country.

“The news of the landslides in the southern part of your country, which have claimed the lives of over 200 cherished souls, fills our hearts with grief,” he wrote. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and communities affected by this tragedy.”

He continued: “Your courage and unity in these challenging times inspire hope. We are moved by the tireless efforts of the rescue teams who continue to work with dedication and compassion, bringing relief and support to those in need.”

Among the teams were faith-based humanitarian agencies which are providing food, water, shelter, and other basic needs to the affected communities.