Heavy rain lashes Kerala, at least 10 missing in Kottayam, red alert in six districts
Landslides have been reported around the areas of Koottikal and Peruvanthanam--the two hilly areas falling under Kottayam and Idukki districts respectively --and at least 10 people are feared missing in the incidents
Several districts in central and southern Kerala have been experiencing extremely heavy rainfall Saturday owing to the formation of a low-pressure area in the Arabian Sea, triggering floods and waterlogging in several places, inundating roads and forcing authorities to open sluice gates of dams to release excess water. The rain wreaked havoc in many parts with some people feared missing in the landslides that occurred in hilly areas bordering Kottayam and Idukki districts prompting the state government to seek the assistance of the Army and Air Force for rescue operations.
The Chief Minister’s Office has informed that help from the Air Force has been sought for rescue in the hilly areas bordering Kottayam and Idukki districts where landslides have been reported isolating a few families. Landslides have been reported around the areas of Koottikal and Peruvanthanam–the two hilly areas falling under Kottayam and Idukki districts respectively –and at least 10 people are feared missing in the incidents, news agency PTI reported.
Expressing concerns over the harsh weather conditions in Kerala, Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi tweeted: “My thoughts are with the people of Kerala. Please stay safe and follow all safety precautions.”
Earlier, Minister for Cooperation and Registration V N Vasavan said at least three houses have been washed away in Kottayam district and some people feared missing.
“At least four landslips have been reported from various parts of Kottayam district. We have sought the assistance of the Airforce to rescue people who are stranded in the Koottikal area. We have received information about some people missing and over 60 waiting to be rescued as water entered their homes,” the minister said.
Kottayam and Pathanamthitta are the most affected districts in the state as of now due to heavy rains since Friday night.
Visuals have emerged on social media from various parts of Kottayam district, including a KSRTC bus stuck in flood water and locals rescuing passengers from it.
