Panakkad landslip: traffic reopening put off to Friday amid rain alert
Officials say the road is motorable. However, experts warn that the slope can become unstable if heavy rain continues as the waterlogged soil may lose strength
The district administration postponed a decision on reopening the Vengara-Malappuram road to Friday after issuing an orange alert for the region. The road was closed following a landslip at Edayippalam near Panakkad on Monday. A committee of experts, including representatives from various departments, examined the site on Thursday.
They noted that the road was cleared and deemed motorable. However, they cautioned that heavy rain could make the slope unstable due to waterlogged soil potentially losing strength. A portion of the hill collapsed on Monday, sending debris onto the road and into the Kadalundipuzha river, prompting the evacuation of around 20 houses nearby.
Soil movement in the area continues to be closely monitored. Debris removal operations commenced on Tuesday, with a total of 373 truckloads of earth cleared from the road by Monday and Tuesday combined. Fire and Rescue Services personnel, along with volunteers, aided in clearing drains and washing away slush. District Collector Vinay Goyal thanked the fire and rescue personnel and volunteers for their efforts.
The district administration also vowed to take action against illegal laterite and granite quarries following the incident, with joint teams inspecting quarries and enforcing permit requirements. Check-posts will be set up to monitor vehicles, and encroachments along highways will be addressed.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
