KOZHIKODE: Death toll due to the landslide at Kattippara in Thamarassery rose to 12, with rescue team recovering bodies of four more persons who were trapped under the mud on Saturday. The victims were identified as Niya Fathima, 3, her mother Nusrath, 26, Rinsha Mehrin, 4, and her mother Shamna, 25. All the deceased were natives of Karinchola.
The bodies were handed over to relatives. Eight persons' bodies were recovered by the rescue team the other day.The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is continuing its search for two more persons, identified as Asya, 24, and Nafeesa, 55, who went missing.
In addition to the NDRF, Fire and Rescue Service, police and local people are also actively engaged in the rescue operation. Around 1,000 persons are staying at rehabilitation camps.
Thamarassery ghat road likely to be partially opened for traffic in a week
The traffic movement on the Thamarassery ghat road got disrupted for the third straight day. Transport Minister A K Saseendran convened a meeting with officers of various departments and directed them to take urgent steps. Ministers T P Ramakrishnan and Ramachandran Kadannappally also attended the meeting held at the St Mary’s Church hall, Chippilathode.
“The Thamarassery ghat road, which was totally destroyed in the landslide, will be partially opened for traffic within one week while repair works on the Kuttiadi-Mananthavadi Road will be completed on a war footing. Kozhikode and Wayanad collectors have been directed to take urgent steps,” said minister.
The ghat road will be reconstructed within three months. Officers with the Public Works Department (NH wing) have been asked to submit a report on its safety.
MLAs George M Thomas and C K Saseendran as well as collectors U V Jose (Kozhikode) and Ajay Kumar (Wayanad) were also present at the meeting.As the traffic movement to Wayanad through the Thamarassery ghat road got disconnected after the landslide at Chippilathod, the KSRTC has decided to launch special services to the place from Kozhikode, Thamarassery, Sulthanbathery and Kalpetta units.
Long-route buses passing through Wayanad will be plying through Kuttiady ghat road.