Four killed in rain-related incident in Kerala; landslide fears resurface in Wayanad

Thiruvananthapuram: At least four persons were killed in rain-related incidents in Kerala as monsoon again gained strength across the state.

The heavy rains have also triggered serious concerns among the people of Mundakkai - Chooralmala regions of Wayanad that suffered a major landslide last year claiming around 350 lives.

While the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had sounded red alert in Wayanad, Malappuram and Idukki districts on Thursday, orange alert was sounded in five districts including Wayanad for Friday.

A toddy tapping worker, identified as Rajeev, 54, died following lightning at Aralam in Kannur district.

A teenager, identified as Sooraj, drowned at Chempazhanthy in Thiruvananthapuram and a youth drowned at Karuvarakundu in Malappuram. Body of a student who was missing at the Bharathapuzha near Pattambi in Palakkad since Tuesday was recovered on Thursday. He was identified as Pranav, 20, hailing from Aalathur in Thrissur. A fishermen from Thiruvananthapuram was reportedly missing in the sea.

Anxiety was prevailing among residents of Wayanad on Wednesday following suspicions of landslide. But the district administration had clarified that no landslide occurred. Debris of the landslide of last year that were being removed from the river at Mundakkai-Chooralmala area again got mixed with the river.

Meanwhile, a section of local people staged protest alleging lapses in disbursal of the monthly financial assistance announced by the landslide-hit families. The police registered cases against the agitators.