Meppadi: Sreehari had come to visit his best friend cum roommate’s house in Mundakkai, unaware of the tragedy that awaited the land in the grim hours of the morning. But instead of witnessing the natural beauty, what he sees around him now is only a disaster. Sreehari got caught in the flash flood but survived. However, there is still no information about his friend Saran and his family of five. 

Sreehari and Saran are studying an aviation course in an institute at Nadakkavu, Kozhikode. Sreehari went to see the beautiful village of Mundakkai after being invited by Saran’s mother. He reached the village on saturday evening and was mesmerised by the scenic beauty, he took many pictures and shared them with his mother. He had planned to return home on Tuesday morning.

While having dinner with Saran’s family on Monday night, it was raining quite heavily. Saran’s father also said that if it continues raining like this, they might need to move to a relief camp on Tuesday morning. 

“It was only after I went to sleep that the landslide occurred and water rushed in, destroying everything. Sreehari caught hold of a log as he was washed away in flood waters. The log drifted towards a tea factory building which was not damaged. I climbed up the building by rowing and using a stick for support. But the factory was inundated. I managed to climb up the roof, remove roof tiles and stayed on top of the building. Although I cried out for help, no one was around,” Sreehari said, adding that he witnessed the second landslide from the rooftop.

Later, rescue workers came and rescued him, but Sreehari could not go back home as he was isolated. Sreehari, who suffered cuts and bruises all over his body, stayed there till Tuesday evening. 

Meanwhile, Sreehari borrowed someone’s phone and informed his mother that he was safe. After construction of the Bailey Bridge, the survivors, including Sreehari, were taken to the hospital. 

By then, his parents had reached Meppadi Moopen's Medical College. However, Saran, his parents, elder brother, sister-in-law and child are still missing.