Kerala landslide tragedy: Payyanithottam village bids tearful farewell to mother and son

Poonjar: The grief-stricken village of Payyanithottam bid a tearful farewell to Regina Johnny and her son, Josephine Johnny, who lost their lives in the devastating landslide that struck the area.

Their bodies were brought by ambulance to the courtyard of Holy Spirit School, Payyanithottam, at around 11.30 a.m. on Sunday, during a brief pause in the rain. The school, where Regina had worked as a staff member, became a place of mourning as residents gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects. For the family, whose home was completely destroyed in the landslide, the school compound had become a temporary home in their darkest hours.

As the bodies arrived, Regina's husband, M.J. Johnny, and their other sons, Jomit and Somit, broke down in grief. Soon after, heavy rain resumed, adding to the sombre atmosphere.

During the funeral service, friends, colleagues and well-wishers remembered the dreams and aspirations that Regina and Josephine had cherished.

College staff recalled that Josephine, who had recently recovered from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, had been looking forward to resuming work at the canteen of St. Joseph Engineering College, Choondacherry, on Monday. Regina, meanwhile, was remembered as a cheerful presence at the school, where she had remained actively involved until last Thursday.

The funeral procession later moved to St. Alphonsa Church Cemetery, where the burial took place at around 3 p.m. The funeral rites were led by Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt.