Drones to deliver aid to marooned tribal colonies in Idukki

Drone
The drone delivery is being considered as both traffic and communication network are in shambles amid torrential rain and subsequent floods. | Representational image

The Idukki district administration is planning to use drones to drop essential goods in tribal colonies marooned in the flood. The novel method is eyed as both traffic and communication network are in shambles amid torrential rain and subsequent floods.

There is no word yet on Edamalakkudi, the only tribal panchayat in the state, which has been completely cut off in heavy rain. Even food items cannot be delivered there. Six government officials who had been to the place are feared to have got trapped. It hasn't been possible to bring them back as the nearby river is in spate. The drone delivery is being considered against this background.

Relief camps in the district are still being thronged by the flood-hit since the area is still vulnerable to landslip and mudslide. Ten people who went missing in the landslip last week are yet to be traced.

Though rain has eased in Idukki district in the last 24 hours, several areas still face the threat of landslip and mudflow. Three people who went missing after the landslide near Upputhode in Cheruthoni could not be found even during Sunday's search. The army-led search team is also seeking three people who are missing after the landslide at S Valavu, Vellathooval, three days ago.

Areas like Cheruthoni, Adimali, Munnar and Marayur still remain cut off. Power hasn't been restored, and telephones do not work. Efforts are on to restore traffic on the Idukki-Neryamangalam route by removing hurdles. The Neryamangalam-Adimali segment of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi highway has been opened to traffic again, but heavy vehicles are still banned here.

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