Massive landslide in Munnar

Many tea estate workers are feared trapped in Kerala’s Munnar after a massive landslide. The area has been witnessing torrential rains for the last three days. Early reports suggested that 20 houses were buried under the mud. It is now reported that four people have been killed in the landslide.

There are reports of three women and a man being rescued from the debris.

Seventy five people are feared to be trapped under the debris.

According to local authorities, the incident in Idukki district happened in the early hours of Friday. The area is totally cut off. At least 80 persons were feared to be trapped in a landslide at Rajamala near Munnar.

Teams of Fire and Rescue personnel, NDRF, revenue officials, estate workers and police are struggling to conduct rescue operations. “The situation is really serious,” Revenue minister E Chandrasekaran said.

Rajmalai ward in Munnar gram panchayat lies 28km from north east from Munnar town. The incident happened at the Pettimudi Division of Kannan Devan’s tea estate at Neymakkadu in Idukki.Heavy rain and waterlogging are hindering relief operations.

The Periyavarai bridge which collapsed in the rain and landslip has been raised temporarily to facilitate rescue operations.