44 Families to Be Relocated After Adimali Landslide in Idukki

Idukki: In the aftermath of the devastating landslide at Adimali’s Koompanpara, which claimed the life of local resident Biju from Lakshamveedu Unnathi, the government has decided to relocate 44 families from the affected area. The decision was taken under the leadership of Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine following an emergency review meeting convened immediately after the tragedy.

As part of the first phase, 22 families were shifted yesterday itself to a temporary relief camp set up at the Adimali Government School. The minister said this swift action helped reduce the risk of further accidents. The remaining affected families will soon be relocated to the Kathippara quarters and the Adimali Machiplav Life Housing Complex, as decided in the meeting.

Eight houses were completely destroyed in the landslide that occurred around 10 pm. on Saturday, when a 40 -foot- high mound of earth collapsed near the Lakshamveedu colony in Adimali. Biju, who had returned home with his family after visiting relatives to collect some certificates, was trapped when soil from the nearby slope engulfed their two-storey house. His wife, Sandhya, sustained serious leg injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at Rajagiri Hospital, Kochi.

Rescue operations were carried out through the night by the Fire and Rescue Services, NDRF teams, and local residents using earthmovers. After nearly five hours of strenuous work, Biju’s body was recovered. His funeral was held on Sunday afternoon after the body was brought from the Adimali Taluk Hospital to his family home, where hundreds, including local representatives, paid their last respects.

The family had been reeling from a previous tragedy, as their son had died of cancer a year ago. Their daughter, a nursing student in Kottayam, will have her educational expenses covered by the government, as announced by Health Minister Veena George.

In response to the disaster, Minister Roshy Augustine emphasised that weather alerts and district administration instructions must be strictly followed. He noted that the collective efforts of local residents and people’s representatives during rescue operations were commendable but added that the unstable terrain made the situation even more dangerous.

Temporary halt to National Highway construction works
To ensure safety and prevent further incidents, District Collector Dr. Dineshan Cheruvat has ordered a temporary halt to all National Highway construction works in the region, particularly on NH 85, which passes through several landslide-prone areas. A special multidisciplinary team comprising officials from the departments of Local Self-Government, Geology, Disaster Management, and Public Works has been formed to conduct a scientific inspection of the affected zones.

The team, which includes the District Geologist, Hazard Analyst, Soil Conservation Officer, Ground Water Department Officer, Executive Engineers from both the PWD (National Highways Division) and the National Highways Authority, and the Devikulam Tahsildar, has been directed to submit a preliminary report within two days and a detailed assessment within four days. All construction activities in landslide-prone stretches will remain suspended until the report is submitted, although permission has been granted to clear debris and soil from roads and residential areas.

The minister further directed the National Highways Authority to provide immediate assistance to the affected families and assured that the government will work collectively and responsibly to address the public’s concerns and difficulties.