THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A search has been intensified for those missing in the landslide at Meppadi Puthumala in Wayanad. Residents of the area said more than thirty people are still stranded under the mud. Reports say four bodies have been recovered this morning. Many are still missing. Three stranded have been rescued yesterday. Estate Padi, Mosque, temple and many vehicles are completely under water. Rescue operations are in full swing in the area. It is learned that the tragedy at Puthumala was a great disaster. In the event of inclement weather, rescue workers are unable to get there.

At about 3.30 pm on Thursday, a whole region came down with a big noise. Many were stranded in Estate Padi and worship places at that time. This is a curved area. It is not known how many are still stranded in the buildings collapsed. As a landslide occurred last Wednesday, four families were evacuated. Many were shifted yesterday morning also.

Rescuers are finding it difficult to reach as transportation has been disrupted. Many bridges have been washed away. National disaster Response force, army, police and locals are engaged in rescue operations. Strong rains and winds are impeding rescue efforts. Some tourists and some migrant workers were there. Only if rain stops, rescue operations can start. Those rescued have been shifted to relief camps. Meantime, it is not clear how many are still missing. Some houses are under water. A similar landslide has occurred in the place thirty years back.

Meantime, there are chances for heavy rains to lash in the next 24 hours.