Malappuram Flash Flood Death Toll Rises to Five

Nilambur: The death toll in the unexpected flash flood at Kottappuzha in TK Colony, Pookkottumpadam, Nilambur, has risen to five. The search for one more missing person is continuing.

The search, which resumed early Monday morning, led to the recovery of two more bodies of men. The bodies were found near Pottikkal ground and near Antonykad Assumption School. The deceased have not yet been identified. They are suspected to be young men from Vandur and Karuvarakundu.

The flash flood occurred in the river around 5 pm on Sunday. Six people, including a local woman, were reported missing. Two bodies were recovered on Sunday night.

The deceased identified so far are Anas Mangadan (31), owner of a bus in the Kottakkal Edarikode town area, and Parannaparamban Muhammad Kutty (65), a native of Tirur. Muhammad Kutty's body was recovered from Muttikkund at Pottikkal, while Anas' body was found in the river behind Antonykad Assumption School.

As it was a holiday, many people had visited the riverbanks. People were present at various points along the river between Olarvattam Canal and TK Colony. Visitors had gathered at Kettungal, Anakkund, Balawadippadi and Koyipra, with some entering the river.

The water level in the river rose sharply during the flash flood. Some people climbed onto nearby tree branches and rocks to escape the surging water. Around 30 people who had taken shelter there were rescued by local residents. Several others remained trapped in different locations for a long time.

A fire and rescue team from Nilambur conducted the search for the missing persons. The search was suspended at 9.30 pm on Sunday and resumed early Monday morning.