IDUKKI: The toll in the massive landslip that struck Pettimudi in Rajamala in Idukki has reached 49. Six more bodies were recovered today. The bodies were recovered from Pettimudi River. As per the tally of Kannan Devan Company 22 more have to be found. Only 12 were saved in the massive landslip occurred on Thursday night.

Eight bodies were recovered from the river on Sunday and nine from a marshy area. All bodies were cremated after the post mortem. Search operations ended at 5.30 pm on Sunday due to heavy rains and fog. The rescue operations resumed Monday morning. Search using sniffer dogs started on Sunday itself.

Workers and their families who have been living in Munnar for three generations are those involved in the accident. Large boulders in the area are presently disrupting rescue operations. A decision was taken to speed up rescue operations by blasting rock with explosives. A search using a drone is in progress in the river. All the rescue operators will be subjected for COVID tests.