Date:13/07/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/07/13/stories/2002071304120400.htm

Southern States - Kerala

7 Adivasi families marooned

By Our Staff Reporter

KANNUR JULY 12. Seven Adivasi families were marooned as their colony near Kelakam in the eastern hill areas here was flooded by a local river in spate following heavy rain in the region today. Rescue operations were under way.

According to information available here, nearly 20 Paniya tribals belonging to seven families in the Pookundu colony in Chettiyamparamba under the Kelakam police station limits were isolated from the nearby areas as the low lying Adivasi colony was flooded by overflowing water from the Cheenkannipuzha that had been in spate since this morning.

The marooned Adivasis were atop the trees while rescue workers, including the Fire personnel from here were continuing their operation. Huts were washed away in the flood. Though a Navy helicopter from Kochi was also requisitioned for bringing the tribals to safety, the rescue operation was suspended due to bad weather.

. The flood water was reportedly receding in the late afternoon, police said. According to reports, the Cheenkannipuzha overflowed as a result of heavy rain and landslide in the nearby Kodagu district in Karnataka.

Help under way

Meanwhile, the Revenue Minister, K. M.Mani, today directed the district authorities to provide immediate assistance to the victims of the landslip at Kelakam in the Thalassery taluk.

According to information reaching here, those living in colonies in Thuruthu and Narikadavu have been cut off. Some 50 houses are feared to have been swept away by water. Even though no death has been reported so far, 20 persons who went to collect firewood from the forest have not returned. Around 40 persons have taken refuge atop trees and houses.

A relief camp has been opened in the Chettiyamparambu U.P. School and arrangements have been made to provide food, clothes and medical assistance.

The Minister asked the officials to pay an assistance of Rs 15,000 to those whose houses were fully destroyed, Rs 5,000 to those whose houses were partially destroyed and Rs 25,000 to those whose houses were swept away.

Even though a helicopter with diving experts was sent from Ernakulam, it could not land due to bad weather. The diving experts have since proceeded by road. The District Collector, the Thalassery RDO, the Tahsildar, the Village Officer and top police officers have reached the scene and are giving the lead to relief work.

The Minister has ordered the reconstruction of the collapsed hanging bridge which was the colonists only link to the mainland.