Massive loss to crops and property has been reported from the Attappady region of Mannarkkad taluk here in the heavy rain that has been lashing the area for the past four days.
Major landslips are being reported from the Kottamala, Palliyara, and Chundakulam areas since the early Wednesday. Pudur and Agali panchayats witnessed widespread landslips. Damages to houses have also been reported from across the region. As per an estimate of the district administration, 175 houses were damaged severely in the incessant rain though no casualty was reported.
As roads were badly damaged in areas such as Kottamala, many tribal settlements have been totally cut off from the rest of the world. More than 150 electric posts have been uprooted and that has paralysed power supply in the whole region. Landslips and heavy rain also damaged the drinking water distribution network in many parts of the region.
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Loss of standing crops worth at least Rs.3 crore has been reported in the past four days. Banana plantations were the worst hit. Over 20 families have been relocated to temporary shelters. District Collector P. Marykutty, M.B. Rajesh, MP, and N. Shmasudheen, MLA, visited the affected areas on Wednesday.
Mr. Rajesh told The Hindu that he had demanded an immediate visit of the Revenue Minister to the area to ensure immediate rehabilitation and compensation to the affected families. He said the area was seeing the most severe monsoon in 15 years. He urged the government to release Rs.4.5 crore from the calamity compensation announced in the past three years.