Landslide strikes Pinavoorkudy

Kochi: A major landslide hit Pinavoorkudy ward in Kuttampuzha panchayat, 30km away from Kothamangalam town, on Monday, causing widespread damage to many houses and shops.
The landslide also triggered flooding in nearby areas as water level rose in Pinavoorkudy thodu. However, no causality was reported till the newspaper went to press.
The fire force vehicle which was heading to the spot for rescue operations, had to be halted midway as flood water entered its censor system.Later, the personnel had to travel on a tipper lorry to reach the incident spot, which was deep inside the forest.
Meanwhile, flood water entered many houses in Pinavoorkudy and Urulanthanny wards. “If the rain continues, landslide will occur again in the same area. Landslide had occurred in the same area last year as well. As a result, a crack had developed on a small portion of a hill. Water entered into the houses and shops situated on the sides of Pinavoorkudy thodu. We will shift families to relief camps if heavy rain continues,” said Suseela Loujan, Pinavoorkudy ward member.
When water entered houses in Urulanthanny, a two-member family had got isolated. They were rescued by local youths. People said more landslides will occur if rain continues.