Tragedy in Kerala: Man Dies in Mudslide After Returning Home Despite Evacuation Orders

Local residents promptly alerted authorities when a devastating mudslide struck a housing colony in Adimali, Kerala.

In a tragic turn of events in Idukki district, a 48-year-old man lost his life and his wife sustained serious injuries when a mudslide destroyed at least eight homes at Mannamkandam in Adimali on Saturday night.

The deceased has been identified as Biju of Lakshamveedu Unnathi, who had initially evacuated but returned to his home later that evening.

Police reports indicate that approximately 22 houses were situated in the affected housing colony. Due to the anticipated risk of mudslides, residents had been relocated to relief camps earlier on Saturday.

Adimali Block Panchayat member Krishnamoorthi explained to PTI that earth was being excavated from the hillside as part of the National Highway-85 widening project.

"The residential colony was positioned on the hill's slope beneath the highway. Anticipating a potential mudslide, panchayat officials issued evacuation notices and relocated 22 families to Adimali on Saturday evening," he stated.

Despite the evacuation order, Biju and his wife Sandhya returned to their home later that night to prepare a meal.

"While they were inside their residence, mud from the hillside collapsed onto the houses around 10:30 pm. Biju and Sandhya became trapped inside. Approximately eight houses were completely flattened by the slide," Krishnamoorthi reported.

Emergency services were immediately notified, and a rescue operation commenced.

"The couple was trapped beneath the debris. Following a five-hour rescue operation, they were extracted. Unfortunately, Biju succumbed to his injuries. Sandhya, initially admitted to a hospital in Adimali, was subsequently transferred to a facility in Aluva," Krishnamoorthi added, noting that Sandhya's condition has now stabilized.

Local residents have alleged that unscientific road expansion methods contributed to this tragedy.

"Earth removal for highway construction is proceeding without proper safety measures. They are clearing hillsides without considering landslide risks," stated Sulfi, a local resident.

Anas, whose house was completely destroyed, mentioned that residents had observed significant cracks in the hillside and had informed panchayat officials.

"Officials inspected the area Saturday morning and issued evacuation notices due to landslide risks. We were relocated to the Adimali government school camp. However, the highway construction continued," he explained.

He further expressed concerns about the danger of residing in the area due to the possibility of additional slides. "We have no alternative residence. We're uncertain how long we'll need to remain in the camp. The government should implement rehabilitation measures," he urged.

A family member of the victim revealed that Biju's son had passed away the previous year, and his daughter is currently studying nursing in Kottayam.

Adimali police have registered an unnatural death case in connection with Biju's demise and launched an investigation.

Authorities stated that Biju's remains will be released to family members following the post-mortem examination.