Mudslide Reported Near Epicentre of Wayanad Landslides, Alert Issued

Wayanad(Kerala): A mudslide took place on Saturday just above Punchirimattam here, which was the epicentre of the July 30 landslides that claimed over 200 lives in the district.

The district administration said that it has warned those engaged in search operations and other work in that area to exercise caution.

Over 200 people died and 78 are still missing in the landslides that hit Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas of Wayanad on July 30. 

Some of the landslides-affected areas of the Wayanad district may be declared permanent "no habitation" zones following the large devastation caused to their topography, Kerala government authorities fear.

The aftermath of the July 30 disaster has left many survivors traumatised, with many not wanting to return to their homes and worried about an alternate roof on their heads, compensation and a means of livelihood.

Officials working to restore the lives of those affected, especially from the three worst-hit villages of Punchirimattam, Chooralmala and Mundakkai under the Meppadi panchayat, told PTI that human habitation in parts of the first two villages (wards numbered 10, 11 and 12) may not be possible in the future.

Another senior official working on the ground echoed this concern, saying the topography of certain areas has been "permanently altered" by the swollen and widened Gayathri river that carried massive rocks, gravel and uprooted trees, destroying everything in its path -- houses, schools, temples and other public infrastructure.

With PTI Inputs