Nilambur flood: Death toll rises to five, search continues for missing woman
The death toll from the flash flood in Nilambur, Malappuram district, climbed to five on Monday after rescuers recovered three more bodies from the Kottapuzha River, officials said.
Six people were swept away by the flash flood near TK Nagar in Nilambur on Sunday evening. Two bodies were recovered later that night, while three more were found after the search operation resumed on Monday morning.
Revenue Minister A P Anilkumar, who is at the site, said the search teams were able to step up the operation after the water level in the river fell.
"The water level in the river has receded, which has helped in carrying out the search in full swing, and we expect to trace all the missing persons soon," he told reporters.
The two victims whose bodies were recovered on Sunday were identified as Parannaparamban Muhammed Kutty, 69, from Tirur, and Mangadan Anas, 32, from Edarikode.
The bodies recovered on Monday were identified as those of Rahim from Karuvarakundu, Kuppanath Sajjadh from Vandoor, Kottakkunnu and Chettiyarmmal Kuruppath Rafiq, officials said. All five deceased were tourists.
The search is continuing for Sajitha, 26, a local resident who was washing clothes on the riverbank when she was carried away by the strong current.
A joint team comprising personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, Fire and Rescue Services and local residents restarted the search around 6.30 am on Monday.
The operation had been suspended on Sunday night because of strong currents and poor visibility.
The incident took place around 5.30 pm on Sunday at Kottappuzha, at TK Colony eco-tourism centre. Officials said the flash flood struck within minutes after heavy rain in the forested areas upstream. (with inputs from PTI)
