Landslide, flash flood kill 6 in Kerala amid heavy rain alert – video
KOCHI: At least six people died after a landslide and flash flood struck Kottakamboor in Vattavada, Idukki, Kerala, on Sunday.Four people from Chokkad were reportedly stranded on rocks and trees near the Anganwadi.Search operations are continuing following reports that more people may be missing in the flash flood. Rescue personnel and local residents are jointly taking part in the search.The flash flood hit Kottappuzha at TK Colony in Pookkottumpadam around 5 pm on Sunday. According to preliminary information, around seven people, including tourists and a local woman, were feared to have been swept away.Earlier, the body of a man aged around 50 was recovered from the river at Muttikkund in Pottikkallu. His body was shifted to the District Hospital, while a search was underway for others feared missing.A large number of tourists were present at various locations along the river, from Olarvattom Canal to T.K. Colony, which are popular tourist spots. As it was a holiday, hundreds of people had gathered at Kettungal, Aanakkundu, Balawadippadi and other areas along the Koyipra foothills.After the water level suddenly rose, around 27 people who were stranded in the middle of the river were rescued by local residents and members of the Muhammad Suhail Treatment Aid Committee.However, several people remained stranded at different locations for a long time as they were unable to reach safety.Police, Fire and Rescue Services personnel, volunteers and residents continued rescue operations for those stranded in the river.A search operation was also underway for those feared to have been swept away in the flash flood.Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rainfall alert, with seven districts, including Thiruvananthapuram and Idukki, under a yellow alert for Sunday.Isolated heavy rainfall of up to 115.5 mm is expected over a 24-hour period. An orange alert has also been issued for Idukki and Kottayam.In Gangtok, Sikkim, continuous heavy rainfall has triggered a series of landslides, mudflows and road blockages across the district, prompting the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to launch an intensive damage assessment.The DDMA, Gangtok, has begun assessing damage across the district following a series of landslides and rain-related incidents caused by ongoing heavy rainfall.(With Agency Inputs)
