Tragic Landslide in Idukki, Kerala Claims Life Amid Heavy Rainfall
Landslide Incident in Idukki District
In Idukki, Kerala, a woman lost her life on Saturday due to a landslide triggered by persistent heavy rainfall. Officials reported that the continuous downpour has led to flooding and landslides in various regions of central Kerala. There are concerns that several individuals may be trapped under debris in Kottayam district.
Victim Identified and Rescue Operations Underway
The deceased has been identified as Sumathi, a resident of the Aduramala area. The landslide occurred early Saturday morning, collapsing debris onto her home. Neighbors managed to rescue her husband Ravi and their son, both of whom sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital in Thodupuzha. The landslide completely destroyed their house.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with fire and rescue services, police, and revenue department teams, conducted a search operation that led to the recovery of Sumathi's body.
Additional Landslide Reports
In another incident in the Vagamon area of Idukki, a person is reportedly trapped in their home due to a landslide, and rescue efforts are ongoing. The landslide has blocked roads, causing a complete halt to traffic in the area.
Damage and Disruptions
Additionally, a police jeep parked roadside was damaged due to a landslide in Upputhara. The rising waters of the Pullakkayar River have submerged the lower bridge in Kokkayar, affecting nearly six nearby homes, prompting evacuations of the affected families.
Widespread Impact of Heavy Rain
Reports of multiple landslides have emerged from various parts of the district. Heavy rainfall has disrupted traffic in several locations, with the Kattappana-Vazhvara route closed due to landslides, and flooding on National Highway-183 caused by rising water levels in the Chottupara stream.
Precautionary Measures Taken
The closure of the Nellimala route has also hindered vehicle movement. As a precaution, district authorities have announced the opening of gates at smaller dams in the area. Neighboring Kottayam district has also experienced severe flooding in regions such as Irattupetta, Kanjirappally, Kuttikal, and Erumeli.
Ongoing Rescue Operations
Many residential areas have been inundated, leading to significant disruptions in traffic and extensive rescue operations. In the Payyanithottam area of Poonjar, a house was buried under debris, with two individuals feared trapped inside. Search and rescue operations are currently underway.
Rising Water Levels and Alerts Issued
In Irattupetta city, water levels rose rapidly overnight, forcing authorities to halt vehicle movement. Several areas, including Nadakkal and Murikkoli, have seen homes flooded. With the help of locals, rescuers have managed to evacuate individuals trapped on the upper floors of their homes.
Warnings from Authorities
Officials have reported that traffic has been completely disrupted in the region. Landslides have also been reported from hilly areas in Pathanamthitta district. The local MLA, Pzhakulam Madhu, shared on social media that severe flooding is affecting Ranni and surrounding areas.
Continued Heavy Rain Forecast
He urged residents to remain vigilant, as river levels have reached dangerous heights, flooding numerous homes and shops. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted continued heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of Kerala. In response, authorities have kept rescue teams on alert and advised residents in vulnerable areas to exercise caution.
Weather Alerts Issued
The IMD has issued a red alert for the districts of Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, while an orange alert has been declared for Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts. Due to the forecast of heavy rainfall, district administrations have declared a holiday for schools in several districts on Saturday.