Eight people of two families were swept away in a landslide at Pulloorampara in the district on Monday. The body of three-and-a-half-year-old Kuttan, son of Biju Thundathil, has been recovered and the search for the rest is going on.
A heavy downpour triggered landslides in Pulloorampara and Kodenchery in the district, blocking roads, damaging houses and destroying agricultural fields.
According to revenue officials, eight houses were destroyed at Kodakkattupara near Pulloorampara and two houses collapsed in Manjuvayal near Kodenchery. Damage to crops was reported in these hilly areas with a large population of farmers.
According to residents of Pulloorampara, a major mudslide occurred around 3.30 pm forcing them to run for safety.
Officials said three landslides occurred at Pulloorampara and around 30 houses were partially damaged. Road traffic was thrown out of gear at many places.
The police and the fire force reached the spot, but the relentless rain prevented them from relocating the people from the affected areas.
Rehabilitation work was progressing at night as threats of further landslides loomed large.
A team of officials led by ADM K P Ramadevi is camping in the area.
“The district administration has opened control rooms at the collectorate and the four taluk offices,” Ramadevi said.