A deadly mudslide struck Kumbanpara near Adimaly in Idukki, along the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway, late Saturday. The disaster tragically killed a resident named Biju and left his wife, Sandhya, severely injured.
The incident, which happened around 8 p.m. in the Kumbanpara Laksham Veedu colony, followed days of relentless heavy rain that had significantly destabilized the area. Local authorities had already moved many residents to temporary relief camps.
Biju and Sandhya had briefly returned to their home from the camp to retrieve essential documents and valuables when the mudslide hit. Emergency teams, including the Fire and Rescue Department, a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) unit, police, and local volunteers, immediately rushed to the scene.
Their home was partially engulfed by large piles of saturated mud, trapping them beneath a collapsed concrete roof. Responders quickly detected signs of life and worked tirelessly, employing earthmovers and pneumatic drills to break through the debris and reach the couple.
Sandhya was extricated around 9:45 p.m. and rushed to a hospital. The rescue effort for Biju was far more challenging, with responders finally reaching him early Sunday morning, around 5 a.m. Although he was rescued, he showed very faint signs of life and was later pronounced dead by doctors at a nearby hospital.
Local residents are pointing fingers at the extensive mud excavation carried out for the construction of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway, claiming it directly led to the disaster. They accuse the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) contractors of a blatant disregard for public safety.
In response to these serious allegations, the government has demanded an immediate report from the NHAI. The large-scale rescue operations were spearheaded by Water Resources Minister Rosy Augustine, Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose, and Idukki District Police Chief KM Sabu Mathew.
This recent tragedy comes just after another mudslide struck near the same location on Friday, causing significant traffic disruptions and necessitating diversions. All residents in the affected area have been safely relocated to a relief camp at the Adimali Government School.