COIMBATORE: Four persons were killed in Puliakulam Kallukuzhi, a quarry here, in a landslip following a heavy downpour on Tuesday night. Rescue measures were hampered by the heavy rain.

Tuesday's downpour led to choking of waterways and the rainwater drained into the Kallukuzhi. The massive earth walls caved in around 8.30 p.m., reducing seven houses to rubble.

Police and rescue personnel from the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services recovered the body of Marathal (45). Ranganathan (30) was rescued late on Tuesday night with minor injuries. Rescue operations were intensified on Wednesday.

Early on Wednesday morning, the body of Kuppammal (17) was recovered.

The two other bodies recovered in the evening were identified as Raju (70) and Mangammal (60).

Collector S. Kosalaraman, District Revenue Officer M. Karunakaran, Commissioner of Police Karan Singha, Divisional Fire and Rescue Services Officer G. Ganapathy, and Revenue Divisional Officer S.P. Karthiga supervised the rescue operations. Rock cutting machines were brought from Madukkarai to move the huge boulders. Nearly 250 families have been living in the Kallukuzhi, a private metal quarry, for several years.

Alternative housing

Irate residents asked Ministers Pollachi V. Jeyaraman, S.M. Velusamy, P.V. Damodaran and Mayor T. Malaravan who visited the site for alternative housing. Since they were employed as `mazdoors' and maidservants for meagre wages, it would not be possible for them to come to their workplace daily from the outskirts of the city, the residents said. The Ministers went to Puliakulam Corporation Marriage Hall, where temporary shelter was provided.

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has announced an exgratia of Rs.50, 000 each to the kin of those killed.

To the one person admitted to hospital, she sanctioned Rs.15, 000.

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