Rescue operations on in Pathanamthitta; 2 killed

Pathanamthitta​: Rescue operations were in progress in Pathanamthitta after hundreds of people were stranded owing to the incessant rain and flood that have hit the district for the past two days. The Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force have joined the operations initiated by the district administration, police, fire force and the public.

Two women were killed in two incidents. Annamma Mathayi, 78, of Thottapuzhasseri died while a rescue operation was on to shift her stranded family. Amminiyamma, 60, of Aranmula drowned while trying to climb the first floor of their house as the ground floor was inundated.Ranny, Kozhencherry and Aranmula have been isolated in flood waters as also areas along the banks of Pampa river that has been overflowing since Tuesday night. More than 25,000 people were rehabilitated in 156 relief centres in the district.

Pampa, Manimalayar and Varattar rivers are overflowing flooding the banks and the low-lying areas like Aranmula, Ranny, Cherukolpuzha, Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Maramon. Even two-storied buildings were submerged in the water that has not receded since Wednesday in places like Pandanadu in Chengannoor. The residents in these areas have been living without food, medicine and drinking water for the past two days. Electricity has also been disconnected to avoid untoward incidents, mobile networks were down. 

A total of 10 NDRF teams reached Pathanamthitta on Thursday and joined five other teams already working in rescue operations in Aranmula, Kozhencherry and Ranny. Two choppers were also airlifting people, five at a time, in places that are inaccessible through land.

A total of 30 fishing boats have set off to Pathanamthitta from Neendakara, Puthanthura, Vadi and Sakthikulangara in Kollam to back up rescue operations. The Devaswom Board has restricted pilgrimage to Sabarimala as Pampa river is flooded. The bridges at Thriveni in Pampa have been inundated.