IDUKKI: Five of a family were killed after a landslide triggered by heavy rains hit their house at Kudayathur in Thodupuzha. The landslide hit the family at around 2.30 am at Kudayathur Sangamam Junction. Soman of Chittadichal, his wife Jaya, mother Thankamma (75), daughter Sima and grandson Devanand (four) are those dead. Soman’s house is completely under the mud.

Rescue operations were carried out by the police, fire force and the locals. District Collector Sheeba George informed that the NDRF team will reach Kudayathur for rescue operations. The team from Thrissur have left to the spot. Police dogs will be brought for the search.

Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose and SP have reached Kudayathur. Minister Roshy Augustine will also reach the spot. Minister Roshy Augustine informed that as a precautionary measure, people in nearby houses will be relocated. They will be shifted to Kudayathur school. The landslide occurred near the Kudayathur street around 4 am today. There was heavy rain in the area since last night.