MUKKULAM (IDUKKI): The flash floods and a series of landslides caused large-scale damage at Mukkulam under Kokkayar grama panchayat in Idukki and totally destroyed 13 homes in a single area, dashing all hopes of the residents in the area.
“Last Saturday, the area witnessed 80 small and major landslides, and destroyed our hopes,” said Thavaranayil Madhu (45), a resident of Mukkulam, continuing,
The series of landslides in Mukkulam, Elamkadu Top, Mlakara, Vadakkemala, Meloram, Azhangad, Poovanchi and Kokkayar, resulted in large-scale devastation. The river deviated from its natural path at Mukkulam and flowed towards human settlements, washing away everything in its path.
Ammini amma (68) was sitting in an old bed and looking towards the sky, thinking about her future. When she got her new house via Life Mission, she thought that she could stay there. But the landslide washed away her hopes, and a part of the diverted river was flowing in front of her damaged home. "All my hopes are filled with stone and mud," she said.
Jobin Yendayar, a resident and rescue worker, said that the landslides and flash floods destroyed the homes of the families of daily wage people and small scale farmers.
“Most of the families constructed homes and land from their lifelong savings. If the government fails to ensure their rehabilitation, the Kokkayar panchayat will witness mass suicides,” he said.
Kokkayar panchayat president Priya Mohanan told TOI that over 275 small and major landslides hit the panchayat area.
“As per our estimate, 359 homes were totally destroyed and 191 homes partially destroyed. Out of 13 wards in the panchayat, 12 faced a series of landslides,” she said.
According to Peermade tehsildar Vijayalal, a 35 member special team has been deputed to collect details of the flood-affected areas.
"A total of nine people died under Peermade taluk due to landslides and rainrelated incidents. As per the primary data, 183 homes were totally destroyed and 591 homes partially destroyed. After the final estimate, the number of homes will increase," he said.
Idukki district collector Sheeba George told TOI that as per the primary assumption, the landslide affected areas under Kokkayar panchayat are not feasible for living.
"Homes and lands totally destroyed in Urumbikkara, Vadakkemala and Mukkulam areas. After getting the special team report, we will recommend a special rehabilitation package for the landslide-hit areas," Sheeba said, adding that the real picture of the flood is beyond our imagination.
