4 feared dead in landslide in Kerala’s Idukki

Thiruvananthapuram: At least four people are feared killed in a landslide at Rajamalai in Idukki district due to heavy rain for the past four days, an official said on Friday.

The Kerala official said that details of the incident are awaited, with initial reports indicating four casualties.

“The initial reports indicate that four persons are reported dead. We are on our way to the spot,” said Munnar revenue official Madhu.

State Power Minister M.M. Mani, who hails from the district, said the landslide had occurred at a place where tea estate workers were staying. He said the details are awaited as the terrain is very tough at the spot.

“The place is at the top of a hill. We are awaiting a response; the local legislator is also going to the spot. All emergency services have been pressed into service,” Mani said.

Meanwhile, area resident Parthasarathy told the media that he was aware of three rows of houses inhabited by around 80 tea estate workers and their families. Early reports suggested that 20 houses were buried under the mud.

“But we do not know how many were there when the landslide occurred. I feel that many of the workers were at their homes due to heavy rain in the past few days. Moreover, communication with the area too has snapped, including electricity supply,” said Parthasarathy.

Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekheran said that he is in touch with the Idukki revenue officials and that all emergency rescue teams are on their way to the spot.

Carcass of elephant washed away by floodwaters

The carcass of an elephant was seen washed away by floodwaters through the Periyar river at Neriamangalam in Ernakulam district on Thursday.

Heavy rainfall in several parts of the state has disrupted normal life.

The carcass was three days old. Neriamangalam borders Ernakulam and Idukki districts.

A video of the incident was shared by Idukki district Public Relations Department (PRD) and locals in Neriamangalam.