Three killed as torrential rain, landslide wreak havoc in Kottayam

KOTTAYAM: Three people, including a mother and her son, were killed in rain-related incidents as torrential rain and landslides battered Kottayam district on Saturday. A woman and her son died after a landslide struck their house at Payyanithottam in Poonjar Thekkekara near Erattupetta, while an 11-year-old boy drowned after falling into a water-filled pit at Vakathanam.

The landslide hit the house of M.J. Johny on the Payyanithottam–Vandanplavu Road shortly after 2.30 a.m. The victims were identified as Johny's wife, Regina Johny (45), an employee of Holy Spirit Public School, Payyanithottam, and their son, Josephin Johny (25).

The house, built just two years ago, was completely washed away in the landslide. After an extensive search, Josephin's body was recovered around 7 a.m., while Regina's body was found at about 10.30 a.m.

Johny was not at home when the landslide occurred, as he had gone to spend the night at the house of a neighbour, Kunjoonj of Kalappuraykkal Parambil. The couple's other sons, Jomit and Somit, escaped as they were staying at a relative's house.

The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the St Alphonsa Church cemetery.

Later in the day, Milan K. Shiju (11), son of Shiju of Perukunnel (Indiranagar), Cheeranchira, drowned after falling into a water-filled excavation dug for a Jal Jeevan Mission water tank while playing with his sister at Vakathanam. He was a Class V student of MGM School, Njaliyakuzhy.

Landslides at four locations

Landslides were reported from four locations in Koottickal and Poonjar Thekkekara panchayats. The Meenachil and Manimala rivers overflowed, inundating large parts of Pala, Erattupetta and Manimala.

Several houses and vehicles were damaged, and residents from affected areas were shifted to relief camps.

Authorities also prohibited entry to the tourist destinations of Ilaveezhapoonchira, Illikkal Kallu and Marmala Waterfalls. Night travel on the Erattupetta–Vagamon Road has also been banned until August 4.