Malappuram, 21 September (H.S.): The death toll in the flash flood at TK Nagar near Pookkottumpadam in Chokkad rose to five after search teams recovered three more bodies from the river on Monday.

The bodies were found during a search near Pottikkal. Rescue personnel are continuing operations along the river to trace one person who remains missing.

Six people, including a woman, were swept away in the sudden surge. Two bodies recovered earlier were shifted to the district hospital for post-mortem examination.

Officials said five of those caught in the flash flood had come from outside the area, while the sole local resident was Sajitha, 26, wife of Sanjay Das of Veluthedath house in TK Colony. She was reportedly washing clothes at the riverbank when the powerful current swept her away.

With the deaths in Malappuram, the combined toll from rain-related incidents reported across Malappuram, Idukki and Kottayam districts has risen to nine.

In another incident, a tourist was killed in a landslide at Velathussery on the Vagamon road. The victim, identified as Sangeetha from Tamil Nadu, died after earth and debris fell on the vehicle in which she was travelling.

Authorities have evacuated five families from vulnerable locations in Adimali following warnings of possible landslides.

Night travel has been prohibited across the hilly areas of Idukki district as a precautionary measure. The restriction will remain in force from 7 pm to 6 am. Adventure tourism centres have also been ordered to remain closed until conditions improve.

Traffic restrictions have meanwhile been introduced in Old Munnar due to the continuing landslide threat. Vehicles arriving from Old Munnar must enter Gap Road near the CSI church and proceed towards Munnar town after crossing the bridge near the police station.

Officials have advised residents and travellers to avoid vulnerable areas and strictly follow safety instructions amid continuing rain and unstable conditions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman