Kerala rains: Red alert for 3 districts; 75 people missing as landslide hits Rajamalai

KOCHI: More than 75 people, mostly tea estate workers, are reported missing in Pettimudi, Rajamalai in Munnar after a landslide fell over 20 houses as heavy rains continued to lash all through the night and morning on Friday.
Police and fire and rescue teams have reached the place and are searching for the missing persons. The areas have been completely cut off after the Periyavara temporary bridge collapsed. Road connectivity has been completely disrupted. Electricity has been disrupted for the last few days since the heavy rains began leading to the collapse of communication networks. Though there is a BSNL tower, lack of electricity has disrupted it also.
Meanwhile, Peermade taluk recorded the highest rainfall of 26 cm for the past 24 hours in Idukki district. All other stations have also recorded high levels including Udumbanchola-12 cm, Idukki-22 cm, Thodupuzha -9 cm and Devikulam -22 cm.
Five estates in Marayoor panchayat have been disconnected for the last few days because of power disruptions, reports said.
A landslide at Mundakkai in Wayanad has destroyed two houses. However, there were no casualties reported.

The IMD has issued a red alert for Idukki, Malappuram and Wayanad for Friday. An Orange alert has been sounded for all districts except Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam.
Meanwhile, heavy rains have been reported from Ernakulam district. Water entered low lying areas of Nedumbassery, Chengamanad and Kanjoor villages. Residents in colonies in Muvattupuzha evacuated as water entered their houses. The flood water reached near Muvattupuzha Town. Similar situation has been reported in many places in North Paravur. A total of 46 people in Bosco colony in Eloor shifted to a relief camp.

The Periyar river level rose in Aluva almost submerging the Mahadeva temple on its banks.
All shutters of Kallarkutty dam have been opened to release 1500 cumecs of water. The Central water commission has issued yellow warning (above normal level) for Vandiperiyar river in Idukki district and river Pamba at Madamon in Pathanamthitta district.