Soil collapse in Munnar: One person dies, lorry buried under mud

MUNNAR: A soil collapse in Munnar claimed the life of a man on Saturday. The victim, Ganesh, a native of the Anthonyar Colony, died after a lorry was buried under mud near the Botanical Garden. The vehicle, travelling from Devikulam to Munnar, toppled into a gorge when the mud struck. Ganesh was rescued from the vehicle and rushed to a hospital, but succumbed to his injuries. Another person travelling with him was rescued and admitted to the hospital.

Meanwhile, flash floods were reported in the Aralam region of Kannur. Authorities suspect a landslide in the forest area. Residents of the 13th and 11th blocks of the tribal rehabilitation settlement were evacuated as a precaution. Over 50 houses were inundated. The Irrigation Department announced that shutters of the Pazhassi Dam would be opened and warned residents along both banks of the river to remain alert.

Heavy rainfall lashed several parts of the state on Saturday. In Wayanad, the Makkimala river swelled, flooding low-lying areas with muddy water. Authorities are investigating whether landslides occurred in the area and have urged residents to remain vigilant. Wayanad district is currently under an orange alert.

Due to the heavy rain, operations of resorts and homestays in nine panchayats of Mananthavady and Vythiri taluks have been suspended. A 24-hour control room has been opened at Thavinjal grama panchayat to coordinate emergency response.