Kerala Man Moved Out To Escape Mudslide. It Killed Him After His Return

Adimali, Kerala: A 48-year-old man identified as Biju tragically lost his life in a mudslide that struck Mannamkandam in Adimali, Idukki district, Kerala. The incident occurred on Saturday night near the site of National Highway widening work. Biju and his wife, Sandhya, had previously been relocated from their home in Koompanpara on Friday due to the high risk of landslides in the area. However, they returned to their house to collect some documents and have dinner when the disaster struck.

The mudslide, triggered by recent hill-cutting for a road-widening project, completely buried their house around 10:30 p.m. Rescue teams, including members of the Fire and Rescue Services and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local residents, launched a challenging seven-hour rescue operation amidst heavy rain and unstable terrain.

Rescuers faced immense difficulties as the couple was trapped between large concrete beams and collapsed walls. JCB machines were used to remove layers of mud and debris. Biju and Sandhya were eventually pulled from the rubble, but Biju succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rescued. Sandhya, who was critically injured, was rushed to Rajagiri Hospital in Kochi, where she is currently receiving treatment.

According to rescue personnel, the couple's position under the concrete beams significantly hampered rescue efforts. A fire service official noted the high risk of soil movement and the need to carefully remove heavy concrete slabs to prevent further collapse.

Local residents attribute the disaster to the recent hill demolition for the road-widening project. Authorities had relocated 35 families from Koompanpara due to the high risk of landslides. The incident highlights the dangers of construction in ecologically sensitive areas and the importance of heeding warnings about potential natural disasters.