We hope to recover all bodies from Pettimudy, says NDRF chief Rekha Nambiar

Munnar: Though the landslides were similar, the situation in Pettimudy is different from that of Kavalappara, said the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) chief Rekha Nambiar. She is in charge of the South Indian states.

Unlike Kavalappara which was a vast area, Pettimudy is a small place. So it is expected that all bodies can be recovered from the area, Rekha Nambiar added. 

"Though the landslide is not spread across a vast area as in Kavalappara, it is difficult to reach the location. About 83 people are suspected to have been trapped under the debris. Two NDRF teams had reached Pettimudy on Friday evening and the search operation resumed on Saturday morning, she said.

There were houses in four lanes. Search operation in one lane has been completed. Other three lanes are being checked. As there is a river nearby, the bodies are likely to be stuck inside the slush. Search will be carried out on the banks of the river also, Rekha Nambiar added.

A 55-member team is leading the rescue mission even though the COVID-19 protocol is causing difficulties, she stated. The safety of those engaging in the search operation also is important, she added.