Heavy Rain Triggers Landslips in Kerala's Idukki, Two Dead, One Injured
Torrential rains triggered widespread damage and multiple landslips across Idukki district in Kerala on Sunday evening, leaving two people dead and one seriously injured. The incidents occurred as heavy rainfall lashed isolated pockets of the district, particularly Adimaly, Vattavada and Vagamon.
At Kottakkamboor near Vattavada, a mudslip struck a temporary makeshift shed where three people were staying. Balakrishnan and Chinnu died in the incident, while Balakrishnan's wife, Mariyamma, sustained serious injuries. The bodies were shifted to the Adimaly Taluk Hospital.
In another incident, a landslip at Pazhampillichal near Adimaly on Sunday night completely damaged one house and inundated four other homes with debris. Revenue officials relocated five affected families to the Parishakkallu Lower Primary School in Adimaly. The road connecting Erumpupalam and Pazhampillichal was also damaged due to a mudslip, and the Munnar-Adimaly stretch of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi national highway witnessed isolated mudslips.
Idukki District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt has banned all adventure tourism activities and prohibited night travel in hilly areas until further notice. The order came in response to the severe weather conditions and the risk of further landslips. Officials said the restrictions will remain in force until the situation improves.
On Monday, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob visited the Adimaly Taluk Hospital to pay his respects to the victims. He also convened a review meeting at Adimaly to assess the disaster response and coordinate relief efforts. The meeting was attended by district officials and representatives from various departments.
Kerala is prone to landslips and flash floods during the monsoon season, and Idukki district, with its hilly terrain, is particularly vulnerable. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories issued by the district administration.
