Malappuram village bids farewell to youths killed in lightning strike

Kozhikode: The four youths who were killed by lightning while visiting Kuranganchola viewpoint at Vellila in Mankada were laid to rest on Wednesday amid an outpouring of grief.The deceased were Rahees, 20, son of Ali of Puthukudi House; Bahas, 18, son of Saithalavi of Koorimannil Puthanveetil; Siyad, 18, son of Aseez of Alikkamparambil House and Fahad, 22, son of Nizar of Karuthankuthu House, all natives of Vellila.Hundreds of people, including the classmates of the deceased, gathered to pay their last respects when the bodies were kept at Vellila Tusker Auditorium for public homage from 10am. Emotional scenes unfolded as mourners struggled to hold back tears. The bodies were later taken to their homes before being buried side by side at the Vellila Malayil Juma Masjid cemetery at 2.30pm.Meanwhile, hospital authorities said the condition of the three injured persons undergoing treatment after the lightning strike has shown improvement.Salmanul Faris, 22, and Mohammed Roshan, 20, both natives of Vellila, are not facing major health issues and have started taking food, doctors said. Ishhath, 19, has been weaned off ventilator support, the hospital authorities added. Meanwhile, a meeting called by the chief secretary to review the monsoon preparedness condoled the deaths of the youths. It was decided to provide ex gratia assistance to the affected families immediately.