Mannarkkad: Thousands of people are heading to a new island formed in the river Kunthipuzha at Pulinchode in Thathengalam after the recent floods. The river, which had changed its course, created an area similar to a beach.

The sandy island is attracting visitors not only from Palakkad district but also neighbouring Malappuram.

Visitors, including women and children, enjoy themselves in the island by clicking selfies and having a dip in the river. The rush of vehicles is causing severe traffic blocks lasting several hours along the Kaithachira-Thathengalam road. Local people and the police are having a tough time clearing the route.

Kunthipuzha shows its ferocious face

Meanwhile, the Kunthipuzha regained its boundaries during the recent rains. Encroachments on the river, including bamboo groves planted when the water level was low during the summer, were washed away. The river is now flowing at its natural breadth at areas like the Kunthipuzha Bridge where several fences and bamboos have been submerged.