Madikeri: The death toll in Kodagu flood and landslides increased to 15, with the police recovering three more bodies on Saturday. Among the dead is Francis Monteiro, a resident of Hattihole.

According to the Hattihole residents, Francis Monteiro was active in flood relief works on August 15. “On August 15 he had sent several locals to safe places by identifying the landslide areas. He went missing since August 16. His body was recovered on Saturday from his residence site, which was completely destroyed due to the landslides” police informed.

The district administration is still searching for another six persons who are missing. The drones are used extensively to capture the pictures of the affected areas, sources said

“Drone pictures are very useful in the search operations to trace the bodies of the missing persons,” said police.

Amidst all the chaos, the marriage of Manjula R, a flood victim will be held on Sunday at Omkareshwara temple with Rajeesh from Kerala. Manjula, a resident of Madapura was shifted to the relief centre following the landslides after her house was destroyed. Now her parents are holding her marriage with the help of donors on Sunday.