Temporary bridge collapses during very heavy rainfall in Chooralmala; bailey bridge closed, 250 families evacuated

MEPPADI: Extreme heavy rainfall is once again triggering panic in the Chooralmala-Mundakkai regions in Wayanad where several people lost their lives in a series of landslides. A temporary footbridge built by the army across the river near the Bailey Bridge to connect the two areas was destroyed by the raging river following heavy rainfall on Tuesday. The Bailey Bridge was also temporarily closed following the heavy rain in the region.

A cow, which was swept away by the strong currents of the river, was rescued by the Fire Force and volunteers. The rain intensified in the region on Tuesday afternoon. Following this, the search for those missing in the landslide was called off at around 2 pm.

Nearly 250 families were shifted to three relief camps following the heavy rain at the foothills of Chembra mountain near Mundakkai on Monday night. People have been advised not to return to their homes until further notice due to the possibility of landslides and flash floods. The water level has risen in streams in the valley. 64 mm of rain was recorded in the region in just two hours.