Four feared dead in a landslide in Munnar in Idukki

At least four persons were feared killed in a landslide at Rajamala in Munnar in Idukki district following heavy rains early Friday, according to Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekharan.

Mr. Chandrasekharan, quoting revenue officials in Iravikulam, told reporters here that local volunteers had rescued at least three persons from under the fallen hill. He said more persons could be trapped inside the slush.

The victims were tea plantation workers living in buildings that resemble barracks inside the vast estate owned by Tata Tea Company. He said preliminary information suggested a mass of earth had fallen on the residents while they were sleeping at around 4.30 a.m. The Tata hospital in the plantation was treating several of the families.