Landslide fury in Kerala! Three dead, many missing as heavy rain continues to batter state

PATHANAMTHITTA: Landslides were reported in Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta following the heavy rains battering the state since Friday. Landslides occurred at two places near Thodupuzha in Muttom Challavayal and Adoor Hill. Landslides were also reported in Poonjar Payyanithottam and Pathanamthitta Thoompakulam.

A woman died in the landslide that occurred in Adoor Hill, Kudayathur. Sumathi, wife of Mashikallel Ravi Narayanan, is the victim. Their son Ratheesh was rescued by locals. Prabhakaran Nair (72) died after a landslide struck his house in Kolahalamedu, Vagamon. A family is missing following a landslide on their house in Poonjar, Kottayam. The body of youngster Josephine Johnny was recovered. It is reported that many people are trapped in several parts of the district.

Traffic was disrupted on major roads in the state due to landslides. There was a landslide on the Kottarakkara-Dindigal National Highway. The water level in the Pampa River is surging. Vehicles are not being allowed to ply at Mamukku Junction due to flooding. Traffic was disrupted on major roads such as the Upputhara-Thodupuzha, Upputhara-Erattupetta-Kattappana Kuttikkanam Highway, which is part of the Thekkady-Kochi State Highway. The Periyar is overflowing, flooding many homes and business firms in the area.

As per the instructions of the Police Chief, a 24-hour control room has been set up at the Pathanamthitta District Police Office. The public can call the mobile numbers 9497960963 and 9497908045 and the landline number 0468 2222600 to report information related to the rainstorm and request assistance at any time. The District Police Chief also informed that emergency assistance will be provided immediately in collaboration with the Disaster Management Department of the District Collectorate.