PALAKKAD: 45 hours have passed since the youth got trapped in the Cheradu hills. The youth has been identified as Babu (23), son of Rashida, a native of Cheradu. The army is only 200 metres away from Babu. Lieutenant Colonel Hemant Raj has spoken to the youth. His health condition is satisfactory, said the rescue force.

Babu has asked for water. Intensive efforts are being made to supply drinking water. A drone team from Chennai will arrive soon. A team of nine people has climbed the hill for the rescue operation. The special task force that went up the hill had reached Babu by Tuesday night.

There are wild animals including bears in the rescue route. Three bears have been spotted, said the army. Babu is being observed through a drone. Forest watchers have also gone up the hill.

Babu along with his two friends had climbed the hill on Monday morning. His friends retreated after climbing half way. However, Babu continued to climb the hill. On his way back, he slipped and fell into a crevice . Soon, he phoned his friends, who tried to rescue him using a rope and a tree branch; but was in vain. They came down and informed the locals of the incident. Babu himself had informed the police. He had injured his left knee in the fall.