Kochi, Sep 21: At least six people were killed after a landslide and flash flood struck parts of Idukki district in Kerala on Sunday, with rescue teams continuing searches amid reports that more people may be missing.
The incident was reported from Kottakamboor in Vattavada, while a flash flood hit Kottappuzha at TK Colony in Pookkottumpadam around 5 pm, according to preliminary information.
Around seven people, including tourists and a local woman, were feared to have been swept away in the flash flood.
Four people from Chokkad were also reportedly stranded on rocks and trees near an Anganwadi as water levels rose.
The body of a man aged around 50 was recovered from the river at Muttikkund in Pottikkallu and shifted to the District Hospital. Search operations were underway for others feared missing.
A large number of tourists had gathered at popular riverside locations as it was a holiday, with hundreds of people present at Kettungal, Aanakkundu, Balawadippadi and other areas near the Koyipra foothills.
Around 27 people who were stranded in the middle of the river were rescued by local residents and members of the Muhammad Suhail Treatment Aid Committee.
Several others remained stranded at different locations for some time as police, Fire and Rescue Services personnel, volunteers and local residents continued rescue operations.
“Search operations are continuing following reports that more people may be missing in the flash flood,” officials said.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued rainfall alerts for Kerala, with seven districts, including Thiruvananthapuram and Idukki, under a yellow alert.
Isolated heavy rainfall of up to 115.5 mm in 24 hours was forecast, while an orange alert was issued for Idukki and Kottayam.
The weather situation has also affected parts of the Northeast. In Gangtok, Sikkim, continuous heavy rainfall triggered landslides, mudflows and road blockages across the district.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Gangtok, has launched a damage assessment following the series of landslides and other rain-related incidents.
