Thiruvananthapuram: The northeast monsoon, which is expected to lash Kerala anytime, is likely to cause landslide in locations where it had occurred during the last spell of monsoon during June-August, scientists have warned. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has, in a report, asked the state government to evacuate people from the danger zones as a must.
Scientists at the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), who had undertaken a study at the landslide areas, have warned that it is unsafe to reside without carrying out repair work in houses where cracks had appeared on walls and floors amid landslides and flood during the monsoon season.
According to data, landslide and mudslide occurred in 997 locations across the state during the August flood. Most of them were in Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts.
Subsequently, the earth developed cracks at many places, which the scientists say pointed to the chances of more landslides but they were inhibited once the rains receded. But once the northeast monsoon intensifies and water enters the cracks, landslides can occur again.
Dr V Nandakumar, who led the NCESS study, said continued observation is essential in these areas to avoid mishaps. GSI deputy director C. Muraleedharan said landslide could be repeated at 47% of places where it had occurred in August. He said the revenue department has been advised to shift people out of such areas as a must before the season begins.
