Heavy rains trigger 10 landslips in Kanthalloor; houses, roads damaged

Marayoor (Idukki): Intense rain lashed Kanthalloor for three hours, causing widespread damage across the region. A landslide struck near Keezhanthoor village, and landslips occurred in at least 10 areas around the region. The incident partially destroyed 40 houses, and three scooters were swept away. Those in areas affected by landslips were moved to safer locations.

Krishna (46), a resident of Kovilkadavu town, sustained severe leg injuries when the sunshade of his house collapsed. Damodara (30), from Puthoor, lost two fingers while attempting to retrieve a scooter that had been swept away by the rain. Both victims were taken to a hospital for specialised treatment.

The downpour began at 8.30 pm on Monday and subsided by 11.30 pm, disrupting movement on many roads. Several wooden bridges were washed away, and rivers such as Pambar, Kanchiyar, Chengalar, and other streams overflowed. Sree Thenkasinathan Temple, located on the banks of the Pambar river, was flooded.

The Cheruvad bridge was inundated, and landslips on four different sections of the Marayoor-Kanthalloor stretch halted traffic. Earthmoving machines were deployed to restore traffic around 4 am on Tuesday. The heavy rains also caused extensive damage to garlic and winter vegetable crops.

Rivers overflowed

Although the rain lasted only a few hours, it was enough to cause streams and rivers in the region to overflow. The flooding of the Cheruvad bridge halted traffic for several hours, isolating many villages. The overflow of the Chengalar river devastated the farmlands along its banks, and three two-wheelers were swept away. Water flowed like rivers along the Marayoor-Kovilkadavu road.

The Koodalarkudy road in Vattavada panchayat was washed away. This road connects Koodalarkudy to Kanthalloor via Tampuran Kavu and Methap. Locals rely on this road to purchase goods from ration shops and other essentials from Kanthalloor, and to access hospitals and schools in Marayoor. Hostel children also use this road to reach their homes during holidays. Vattavada panchayat member Shashi Koodalarkudy has urged authorities to take immediate action to rebuild the road.

The Valsappetty Koodalarkudy tribal colony in Vattavada panchayat was hit by a landslide, isolating the hamlets by cutting off the path between them. With the landslide continuing, villagers fear further destruction. The tenant farms below the road are also at risk. District panchayat member C. Rajendran has issued a warning, advising residents to avoid going to the farm.