PALAKKAD: 30 hours have gone past since a youth got trapped in the Cheradu hill cleft in Malampuzha. Cheradu native Babu slipped and fell on his way back after climbing a mountain with his friends. Though Babu's friends tried to rescue him, they were unable to reach out to him. Following this, they informed the locals.

Meanwhile, Palakkad District Collector Mrinmayi Joshi said that the rescue operation for the youth was progressing. The Central Army team from Bengaluru has reached Walayar. The district collector said that they will reach Palakkad soon and if necessary, the rescue operation will continue tomorrow.

Although the youth, who suffered a leg injury, can be seen lying trapped between the rocks, rescue workers were unable to reach out to him. The government has sought the help of the Army and Air Force to rescue the youth, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. Although the helicopter of the Coast Guard was used several times today, the rescue operators were unable to rescue the youth due to strong winds.

At present, the first priority is to provide water and food to the youth. He will be brought down only after the situation becomes favourable.