Search for Wayanad landslip victims to be extended to Malappuram

Bodies might have been washed away through tributaries of the Chaliyar

The Wayanad district administration is planning to expand the search for victims of the landslip at Puthumala to the border forest areas of Malappuram district.

“Search was done to the maximum possible extent till Kanthanpara waterfalls on Wednesday”, N.S.K.Umesh, Wayanad Sub Collector told The Hindu .

“We held discussions with family members of missing persons on the day and plans are being made to continue search in Nilambur area in Malappuram district”, Mr.Umesh said .

The operation would be finalised late night after discussions with forest officials in Malappuram and tribal residents on the border area as it was feared that the bodies might have been washed away through the tributaries of the Chaliyar river, he said. Moreover, the border forest area was a dangerous one with mountain cliffs and heavy river flow, Mr. Umesh said.

However, the search being led by members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, Forest Department on Wednesday would continue on the 14th consecutive day on Thursday, he said.