MALAPPURAM, India, Aug. 3 (ANI): Multiple landslides triggered by heavy rainfall struck the Nadukani-Parappanangadi State Highway in Kerala’s Malappuram district, disrupting traffic and prompting authorities to warn of additional slides.
The first landslide was followed by several more at the same location between Edeypalam and Karathodu on the Malappuram-Vengara route, where an entire hillside collapsed onto the highway.
Large amounts of soil, rocks and trees crashed onto the roadway, with debris also falling into the nearby Kadalundi River. A second landslide occurred while police and fire department personnel were assessing the site.
Authorities have completely closed the highway, with vehicles traveling toward Malappuram being diverted through Konompara.
The landslide occurred about 150 meters (490 feet) from Straight Path International School. Officials have declared the area highly dangerous and warned that further landslides are possible.
Local residents said a similar landslide occurred at the same location in 2019.
Firefighters and police continue efforts to clear debris from the roadway and restore traffic.
Earlier Monday, Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the death toll from flooding and landslides across the state had risen to 15, with seven people still missing.
The chief minister announced ₹10,000 (about $115) in funeral assistance for the families of those killed in the rain-related incidents and directed the Agriculture Department to submit a proposal to increase compensation for crop damage.
Addressing reporters in Thiruvananthapuram after a meeting with district collectors, Satheesan said approximately 165 hectares (408 acres) of agricultural land had been damaged, affecting 3,596 farmers.
“As of 9 a.m., 11,018 people are staying in 316 relief camps across the state. So far, 15 deaths have been reported. Two people died in the Poonjar constituency in Kottayam, while a child died after falling into a tank at Puthuppally. Two deaths were reported from Idukki, and one each from Vizhinjam and Muthalapozhi. One person is missing each from Vizhinjam and Muthalapozhi. In Malappuram, four people have died, and one person is missing. In Kannur, one person has died, and two are missing, while one death has been reported from Kozhikode. So far, 15 deaths have been reported across the state, while seven people are still missing,” Satheesan said. (ANI)
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