THIRUVALLA: An elderly woman was swept away by the Manimala river before was rescued by a youth near Thiruvalla on Thursday. The woman was found in an unconscious state by a youth named Reji who immediately set out to rescue her using his boat.

The woman was identified as Omana (68) who used to live near the river in Manimala. She is currently undergoing treatment at the Kottayam Medical College.

It is learnt that Omana was washed away for around 30 kilometres by the river. She was initially spotted by the natives of Kuttoor village who subsequently informed this to Reji who is also CPM Thirumoolapuram Branch Secretary.

Following this, Reji set out in his boat and managed to rescue the woman near Thondara bridge. Omana was then brought to the river bank and given first aid. By then, Thiruvalla police reached the area and the woman was rushed to Taluk hospital. Upon regaining consciousness, Omana gave the phone number of her son Rajesh.

Upon receiving the information, Rajesh, an autorickshaw driver, reached the hospital. He said that he was about to file a missing complaint at the police station as his mother went missing in the morning.

Police have not collected any statement from Omana so far because of her weak condition.