'Authorities should explain why police and taluk authorities did not come to Kootickal'; VD Satheesan criticises authorities over delay in rescue operation

KOTTAYAM: Opposition leader VD Satheesan on Sunday criticised the authorities ​over the delay that occurred in launching rescue operations in landslide-hit places. He was speaking to reporters after visiting the landslide-hit areas in Kottayam.

"The landslide happened on Saturday morning by around 10 am. Even though the search operations are difficult, there was no rescue operation in the area yesterday. The search started this morning. I hope that the concerned officials will tell us why the rescue operation did not take place yesterday. Only a former panchayat member came to the spot with a JCB. The authorities should explain why the police and the taluk authorities did not come to Kootickal yesterday," Satheesan said. He added that the frequent landslides should be taken seriously.

Meanwhile, more bodies were recovered today from the Kootickal. The bodies of three people were recovered the previous day.