Puthumala: A year after the devastating landslides uprooted many people from their land and left many young ones orphaned, family members of the victims gathered at the mass grave, called the 'Heart Land', on Wednesday to pay their respects to the departed souls.

From the morning, a small group of mourners were seen praying in front of the tombs of the identified victims. While the kith and kin of those still unidentified victims prayed in front of the mass grave with their arms folded, teary eyes shut, and lips whispering.

According to the District Disaster Management Authority, 298 people were killed in the disaster. The catastrophe ruined villages and left many farmers penniless after their farmlands were washed away.

Families who had lost their kith and kin in the catastrophe gathered at the mass grave at Puthumala, near Meppadi, to commemorate the departed souls. Many of the victims were identified after DNA tests. The mortal remains of 44 persons in the landslide are still missing, whereas 254 were identified and buried with proper religious rituals.

A large board displayed all the photographs of the deceased at the venue. Many in the crowd were seen searching for the photographs of their loved ones on the board. Many bought chocolates, flowers, and other endearing curios for the departed.

A prayer for the departed was held at 10 am on Wednesday. Ministers K Rajan, Muhammed Riyas and OR Kelu participated in the prayer and paid floral tributes to a common tombstone at the mass grave.

The ministers also paid homage to the three brothers Nived, Dhyan, and Ishan, along with family members. Later, a commemoration programme was held at the MSA Hall in Meppadi. The ministers also visited the model house, which was completed at the Elstone Estate Land near Kalpetta.