Idukki. A landslide caused devastation in the hilly district of Idukki in Kerala on Saturday night. A 48-year-old man died in the accident, while his wife was seriously injured. The incident took place in Mannamkandam area of Adimali, where the mountain soil collapsed during the widening work of the National Highway NH-85 and at least eight houses were razed to the ground. The deceased has been identified as Biju (48) of Lakshamveedu Unnathi. His wife Sandhya is injured and has been admitted to the hospital for treatment.
According to the police, there were a total of 22 houses in the colony. In view of the danger of landslides, all the families were shifted to relief camps on Saturday evening. However, Biju and Sandhya return home at night to prepare some essential items and food. Adimali Block Panchayat member Krishnamurthy said that when he was inside the house, at around 10.30 pm, the mountain soil slipped and eight houses were completely buried.
Local people immediately informed the police and Fire and Rescue Service. After this, a rescue operation that lasted for five hours was carried out. Biju and Sandhya were pulled out of the debris, but Biju died on the way. Krishnamurthy told that Sandhya was first admitted to Adimali hospital, later she was shifted to Aluva hospital. At present his condition is stable.