MALAPPURAM: Almost thirty houses are under water at Bhoothanam, Kavalappara and Pathar areas in Nilambur after a landslide occurred last night following heavy rains. The locals revealed that there is no information about them. There is a cause of concern after they were not found in their relatives’ houses. The landslide occurred in the area in between two big mountain valleys. Rescue operators reached here by noon as there was a delay of hours due to roads being. A team of NDRF from Palakkad will be reaching soon. All arrangements have been made for the quick rescue operations. The office of the chief minister informed that they are doing everything possible and are unable to reach many places due to adverse weather conditions.

Meantime, sixty people who left their homes in the wake of the disaster are now living on wooden branches and on top of the rock. Continuous rain in the area is disrupting rescue operations. As power and telephones connections are snapped, the area is completely isolated. The area is submerged.

Only a tower of the BSNL is functioning here. Several families have been trapped in Kavalappara and Pathar and its adjoining areas since yesterday. Rescue operators and police are not able to reach the place as the roads have been completely destroyed. Rescue operations are possible only with the help of Navy's helicopter. Many are trapped in the houses which are under water and the area is covered with mud, trees, piles of rocks and stones.

This can be clarified only after revenue, police, fire force and navy arrive at the scene and begin rescue operations.