Thodupuzha: All five members of a family, who were trapped under debris following a landslide in Kudayathoor near Thodupuzha, were found dead after a five-hour-long search.
The deceased are Maliyekal Soman, his mother Thankamma, wife Shiji, daughter Shima and her son Devanand (4). Their house was washed away after the landslide hit the area in the early hours of Monday.
As per reports, the road and crops in the area have been washed away in the landslide.
Speaking to Manorama News earlier, Idukki SP V U Kuriakose had said that a special squad had been deployed to search for the family.
Minister Roshy Augustine said the neighbours will be evacuated as a precaution if the need arises. "I will be reaching Thodupuzha by afternoon and will only return after ensuring the situation is safe there," said the minister.
Several areas in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta flooded
Unprecedented rain since Sunday midnight has led to flooding in several areas in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts.
In Kottayam, the Nedumanni bridge has been submerged under water following flash floods in Karukachal. Houses in Manthuruthy are inundated as well.
The water level has risen in Nedumanni-Koveli areas.
Kuttickal canal in Pampady has overflown. Four families have been evacuated.
In Pathanamthitta, houses in Kottangal have been inundated. Chungapara town is flooded. Many shops have reported losses.
Yellow alert issued
The weather office has issued a yellow alert from Kottayam to Kasaragod.
Isolated heavy rain has been predicted in hilly regions of the state. Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts have been directed to exercise caution.
(To be updated)
