IDUKKI: At least five persons are feared killed in a landslide at Rajamalai in Idukki due to heavy rain for the past four days. Ten people have been admitted at Tata High Range Hospital. Rescue operations are in full swing. Mud caved in on top of four houses resided by 83 people adjacent Kannan Devan Estate at Pettimudi in Rajamala. Nearby residents said these four houses have been completely washed away. Reports obtained said many are still trapped there.

The area is mostly inhabited by Tamil workers. Adverse weather is a major obstacle for rescue workers. It takes about two hours to reach this place, which is 30 km away from Munnar. There is lack of road facilities to this protected area.

Heavy rains have disrupted traffic and communication in the area. Power has been snapped for days. JCB has to reach the place to remove the mud. Only jeeps can pass through this area. Authorities said rescue efforts are difficult. Nearby hospitals have been asked to make emergency preparations. The National Disaster Response Force will soon reach the place. Teams from Alappuzha and Thrissur have been deployed to the scene of the accident.

Landslides occurred in some other places in Idukki. It was reported in Kozhikanam and Annanthampimala areas. Power Minister M M Mani, who hails from the district, said the landslide had occurred at a place where tea estate workers were staying. He said the details are awaited as the terrain is very tough at the spot.

"The place is at the top of a hill. We are awaiting a response; the local legislator is also going to the spot. All emergency services have been pressed into service," Mani said.

Meanwhile, area resident Parthasarathy told the media that he was aware of three rows of houses inhabited by around 80 tea estate workers and their families.

"But we do not know how many were there when the landslide occurred. I feel that many of the workers were at their homes due to heavy rain in the past few days. Moreover, communication with the area too has snapped, including electricity supply," said Parthasarathy.

Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan said that he is in touch with the Idukki revenue officials and that all emergency rescue teams are on their way to the spot.