Search operations entered the third day on Monday (August 3, 2026) for two men who went missing after being swept away by swollen rivers in Kannur district following heavy rains.
The search is continuing for R. Rajesh, a native of Kalliyoor in Thiruvananthapuram, who went missing at Meenthully in the Kariangode river, and V.P. Hanifa, who was swept away in the Kanhirapuzha.
A 12-member team of expert swimmers from the Turkey Life Saving Committee in Kalpetta, Wayanad, joined the search for Hanifa. The team began operations at 7 a.m., covering a stretch of around 500 metres downstream from Thondayil bridge, where he was swept away.
Fire and rescue services personnel from Peravoor, Mattanur, and Kuthuparamba, along with civil defense volunteers, also participated in the search. With rainfall easing for about two hours on Monday, the river level receded and the previously muddy water began to clear, improving search conditions.
Thalassery Sub-Collector (in charge) Prakashan C.V., and Irrity Tahsildar N. Seema supervised the operations at the site.
The search for Rajesh at Meenthaly involved personnel from the Fire and Rescue Services, police, and members of various rafting associations. Teams searched riverbanks, islets, and rocky stretches, besides extending the operation to the Palavayal bridge area downstream from the spot where he went missing.
Published – August 03, 2026 11:40 pm IST
