A devastating mudslide in Kerala’s Idukki district claimed the life of a 48-year-old man and left his wife critically injured, highlighting the growing risks associated with unplanned construction and hilly terrain development. The incident occurred on Saturday night at Mannamkandam in Adimali, where ongoing National Highway widening work is believed to have destabilized the hillside.

Incident Details

The deceased has been identified as Biju of Lakshamveedu Unnathi, while his wife, Sandhya, sustained severe injuries. According to local authorities, the couple returned home on Saturday night despite earlier evacuation orders to prepare food, placing themselves in harm’s way. Around 10:30 pm, mud from the hill collapsed, burying their house along with seven others in the colony. Rescue teams, including police and Fire and Rescue Services, launched operations immediately. After five hours of intense effort, Biju and Sandhya were pulled from the debris. Sadly, Biju succumbed to his injuries, while Sandhya was initially admitted to a hospital in Adimali before being shifted to Aluva for further treatment. Her condition is reported to be stable.

Background: Precautionary Measures and Evacuation

The residential colony comprised 22 houses built on the slope beneath NH-85. Authorities had issued evacuation notices due to the potential for landslides triggered by the ongoing highway widening. Adimali Block Panchayat member Krishnamoorthi confirmed that residents were moved to relief camps on Saturday evening. “The residential colony was located on the slope of the hill beneath the highway. Due to the possibility of a mudslide, panchayat officials issued a notice, and 22 families were shifted to Adimali relief camps,” he said.

Despite these precautions, Biju and his wife returned home at night. “When they were inside their house, mud from the hill collapsed and fell over the houses around 10:30 pm. Around eight houses were flattened in the slide,” Krishnamoorthi added.

Local Residents Allege Construction Negligence

Residents have alleged that the mudslide was a direct result of unscientific highway widening work that failed to incorporate adequate safety measures. Sulfi, a local resident, said, “The mud is being removed as part of the highway work without any safety precautions. They are clearing the hill slopes without considering the risk of landslides.”

Another resident, Anas, whose house was completely destroyed, stated that the community had noticed cracks in the hillside and raised concerns with panchayat officials days before the tragedy. “The officials inspected the spot on Saturday morning and issued a notice asking us to evacuate due to the risk of a landslide. We were shifted to the Adimali government school camp. But the NH work continued,” he said.

The residents expressed ongoing fear as the hill remains unstable. “Living in the area is now dangerous as more slides are possible. We have nowhere else to go. We don’t know how long we’ll have to stay in the camp. The government should take steps to rehabilitate us,” Anas added.

Personal Tragedy Amplifies the Loss

Adding to the sorrow of the family, a relative of Biju revealed that his son had passed away last year. His daughter is currently pursuing nursing studies in Kottayam, making the loss even more heart-wrenching.

Official Response and Investigation

Adimali police have registered a case of unnatural death in connection with Biju’s demise and launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident. Officials confirmed that the body would be handed over to relatives after the post-mortem examination. Authorities have also reiterated that the area remains vulnerable, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season and with continued construction activity in the vicinity.

Broader Implications

The Idukki mudslide underscores the vulnerability of hillside communities in Kerala to natural and man-made hazards. The state, known for its hilly terrain and heavy monsoon rains, has witnessed similar incidents in the past, highlighting the importance of stringent safety protocols in construction, especially near unstable slopes. Experts and local leaders emphasize the need for proper planning, risk assessment, and implementation of engineering safeguards to prevent future tragedies.

The incident also raises questions about the efficacy of evacuation and disaster preparedness measures, particularly when residents feel compelled to return to their homes despite official warnings. Authorities are expected to review current protocols and ensure more robust monitoring of high-risk areas to prevent recurrence of such disasters.

Conclusion

The mudslide in Mannamkandam, Idukki, has left a lasting impact on the local community, taking one life and destroying several homes while exposing vulnerabilities in disaster management and infrastructure planning. While rescue and relief efforts have provided immediate aid to the affected families, long-term rehabilitation and safety measures remain critical to protect residents from similar incidents in the future.