Rain havoc in Poonjar; Two of family killed as landslide buries house

KOTTAYAM: A woman and her son died after their house collapsed in a landslide caused by heavy rains in Poonjar Payyanithottam. The body of Regina Johnny and her son, Josephine Johnny (24) was found from the wreckage of the house. Josephine was staying at home recovering from a leg injury suffered in an accident. Joseph's father, MJ Johnny, escaped as he was at a nearby house at the time of the incident. His other children, Jomit and Somit, were not at home.

Regina's body was found under the collapsed roof of the house, ten meters away from where their house was. The body was covered in mud. Efforts are underway to retrieve the body from the debris.

The landslide occurred around 2 am on Saturday. Only Regina and her son were at home during this time. Locals reached the spot immediately after knowing about the landslide and started rescue operations. The landslide occurred on the hill just behind Regina's house. There is no trace of the house left. The vehicles in front of the house were also destroyed.

Josephine is Regina's second son. He was a canteen employee at Choondacherry Engineering College. Josephine was at home after sustaining a leg injury in a bike accident in Erattupetta a month ago. Regina is an employee at Payyanithottam Holy Spirit School. MJ Johnny is a school bus driver. Both his daughters are in Ernakulam.