Thiruvalla: A woman, who fell into the Manimala river and was swept away for several kilometres, regained a new life. She was rescued by a group of fishermen near Thiruvalla. Kottayam Manimala native Omana Surendran (68) returned to life from the clutches of death after being in the water for several hours.
A few locals in Thiruvalla noticed someone flowing down the river on Thursday morning near the railway overbridge by 9.30 am. Immediately the fishermen and the fire and resue personnel started rescue operations and by 10.25 am, fisherman Reji and his relative Joy Varghese rescued Omana from the river. She was immediately taken to Thiruvalla Taluk hospital in an unconsious state.
Once she regained consiousness, Omana informed the hospital authorities of her address. Upon being informed, her son Rajesh Kumar arrived at the hospital and later shifted her to Kottayam Medical College. However, the details regarding where she got trapped in the river is not clear.
The river is close to her house in Manimala. If she had fallen into the river near the house, she would have travelled 40 km to reach Thiruvalla. Omana’s relatives had filed a missing complaint on Thursday morning. The doctors at Kottayam Medical College said that Omana is not in good health to give more details regarding the incident.
Fisherman Reji, who rescued Omana along with Joy Varghese, said that he noticed a protruding eye when he almost called off the search in the river. He understood that it was an elderly woman and said that he was sure Omana was still alive when he undertook the rescue.
Thirumoolapuram native Varghese Mathayi (Reji) is a fisherman by trade. He is also a CPM branch secretary of Plapparambu area.
Omana was first spotted by Kuttoor native VR Rajesh. Rajesh and friends were standing near Manimala railway bridge at 9.30 am when they spotted Omana in the river. Immediately he informed his friends and all those who had a boat.
The information was passed on by Tito Thomas and SR Biju. Fire and Rescue Service personnel also reached the spot immediately for rescue operations.
