Two persons were killed at Karikkottakkari in the eastern hill areas of Kannur district in an accident caused by a landslip in the area on Wednesday.
The deceased have been identified as Immattikkal Thomas of Kizhanganam and his daughter-in-law Shyni Jaison. They died following the landslip and heavy flooding in Ayyankunnu grama panchayat under the Karikkottakkari police station limits on Wednesday evening. The accident occurred at 6 p.m. after when their house collapsed in landslip and flooding. They died when the concrete slab of the house fell on them.
Incessant rain in the past 24 hours threw life out of gear in northern parts of the State on Wednesday. Mudslides, flooding and landslips disrupted traffic at many places in Malabar.
Heavy rain and landslips wrought havoc in the eastern hill areas of Kannur bordering Karnataka, forcing many to move to safer places. The Iritty river and its tributary, which form the upstream of the Valapattanam and Kuppam rivers, were in spate.
In Wayanad
Torrential downpour accompanied by gusty winds that lashed Wayanad threw life out of gear in many parts of the district. Many low-lying areas were under water. Traffic through Palchuram Ghat Road on the Kannur-Mananthavady highway was banned after a minor landslip near Boys town.
Four shutters of the Banasura Sagar reservoir at Padinharethara were opened on Wednesday to release water. All the shutters of the second large earthen dam in the continent have been opened after 11 years.
Landslip at Kuthiran
A landslip occurred near the mouth of the Kuthiran tunnel, the work of which is nearing completion. The shotcreted portion on the east side of the first tunnel collapsed in the morning.
It is said that soil in the stretch is loose and has many trees.
The Pragathi Group, which is in charge of construction of the tunnel, has sought permission to build a drainage system to both sides above the tunnel to avoid landslips.
As heavy rain continues in the Peechi forest area, landslips may further delay the commissioning of the tunnel.
National Highway Authority of India officials visited the area.
In Ernakulam
Ernakulam district has so far received 18.97% excess rain this year. District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla was making a presentation before a Central team taking stock of the monsoon-related damage in the State on Wednesday.
In Alappuzha
An inter-ministerial team led by A.V. Dharma Reddy, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, visited areas affected by floods and sea erosion in Alappuzha district on Wednesday.
The team evaluated damage caused due to sea erosion at Madhavamukku and Valanjavazhi in the district.