Flash floods caused by incessant rain and landslides at the Nadukani ghats on Wednesday night caused heavy damage at Vazhikkadavu and neighbouring areas of the district.
Dozens of families had to be evacuated as the Karakkodan stream inundated Vallakkatta, Punnakkal, Vazhikadavu, Karakkod, Manimooli, Anappara and Kettungal.
Traffic along the Nadukani ghat highway was disrupted as rocks and trees fell on the road following the landslide. Traffic was partly restored by Thursday afternoon by removing the boulders and logs with the help of the Fire and Rescue Services Department.
Help from TN
Local people joined hands with police personnel from both Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the clearing operations. Tamil Nadu officials extended help in clearing the road following a request from Malappuram Collector T. Bhaskaran.
The rain started by Wednesday sunset continued through the night, causing landslides at different parts. Local people said landslides had taken place at 18 places around the Nadukani ghats. Stranded motorists were evacuated by the police. A few vehicles suffered damages as trees fell on them. No casualty was reported in the rain.
