Heavy rain lashes Kottayam district

Sunday, August 7, 2011: Massive loss to crop and property have been reported from the high range areas of the district bordering neighbouring Idukki district in the heavy rains that lashed the area during the past 24 hours.

Major landslides have been reported from Pallippady in Koruthode panchayat, Cholathadam in Poonjar Thekkekkara panchayat and Kanamala in Erumeli Panchayat, during early hours of Sunday, authorities said. Parathode panchayat in near Kanjirappally witnessed widespread landslips. Losses to houses have also been reported from Koruthode panchayat.

Most of the affected area falls under Poonjar and Pala assembly segments. PC George MLA, who represents Poonjar said, governmental machinery has already been pressed in for relief operations. The Erattupetta-Pala Road and Pala-Ponkunnam Road remained inundated in many areas disrupting vehicular traffic.