| Rain, landslides claim nine in Malabar region |
KA Antony
KOZHIKODE Heavy rain and landslides that have been wreaking havoc in the high range of Malabar, especially in Kozhikode, Kannur and Wayanad districts since Monday afternoon have so far claimed nine lives and the Pazhassi dam, the largest water reservoir in Kannur district, is on the verge of collapse as most of its shutters could not be opened till Tuesday evening.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who was in Delhi for discussions with Sonia Gandhi on the organisational revamp in Kerala, flew back to expedite measures to tackle the flood situation.
Talking to Oman Tribune, Chandy said all arrangements have been made to tackle the situation and he has also sought help from the federal government to assist those who are affected by the flash floods and landslides.
“Apart from deaths, farmers and businessmen have suffered heavy losses. The government is bound to extend a helping hand by compensating them the losses,” he said.
A team of navy and National Disaster Management have been sent to Kannur to help open the shutters of Pazhassi dam which had started overflowing since Monday evening.
Only eight of the total 17 shutters could be opened till Tuesday morning. The attempt to open the remaining shutters failed owing to heavy flow of water from the hill regions adjacent to the Karnataka forest.
Most of the deaths were reported from the Thiruvampady region of Kozhikode, with three more landslides occurring during a span of one hour at Anapanthy, Vattiyanthode and Ulikkal.
With the heavy rain continuing unabated, the Iritty belt appears to be more in danger. The entire Iritty town is under water and if the rain continues more areas may get submerged under water.
Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan visited Iritty and Veliyambara, where the Pazhassi dam is situated.
Talking to reporters in Kannur, Radhakrishnan said that he has given necessary instructions to the irrigation and water resources department heads in the district.
He also said federal Minister Mullapalli Ramachandran has assured every possible help to tackle the flood situation.
Oman Tribune
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