Nilambur flash flood: five bodies recovered; search on for missing woman

Five bodies were recovered from the Kottapuzha river at T.K. Colony near Amarambalam, Nilambur, where a flash flood swept away visitors on Sunday (September 20, 2026) evening. Search operations continued throughout Monday (September 21, 2026) for Sajitha, a resident of T.K. Colony, who is still missing.

Three bodies were recovered on Sunday night and two more on Monday morning when Fire and Rescue Services and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel resumed search along with the police and volunteers.

The deceased were identified as Parannaparamban Mohammed Kutty, 65, from Tirur; Mangadan Anas, 27, from Kottakkal; Srambikkal Raheem, 35, from Karuvarakundu; Kuppanath Sajjad, 23, from Kottakunnu, Wandoor; and Kuruppath Rafeek, 41, from Chettiyarammal, Wandoor.

Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer with relatives of a T.K. Colony flash flood victim at the Government Medical College Hospital, Manjeri, on Monday.
| Photo Credit:
SAKEER HUSSAIN

Sajitha was swept away while washing clothes in the stream near the tourist spot at T.K. Colony. Fire and Rescue Services personnel, police, and local residents continued to search for her at different stretches of the river.

Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar, who represents the Wandoor constituency, reached the spot on Sunday night and supervised the rescue operations. Local residents called for stricter measures to regulate access to the area, which is known for flash floods.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan visited T.K. Colony on Monday afternoon. He also visited the relatives of the victims.

Mr. Anilkumar and Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer visited the Government Medical College Hospital, Manjeri, where the post-mortem examination of bodies was done. The bodies were later released to relatives. Mr. Satheesan said the search for Sajita would continue.