Rock slips from hillock in Kozhikode, gets lodged midway; over 20 families evacuated

Kozhikode: Over 20 families are facing danger after a large portion of rock slipped from Mannathiyettu Mala in Kattippara panchayat, Kozhikode, on Saturday. The incident occurred around 10 am when a section of the massive rock detached with a loud noise. It came to a halt after getting stuck against another large rock further down the hill. Soon after, muddy water started flowing down the slope.

The Fire and Rescue Services team from the Narikkuni station rushed to the spot and advised residents in the valley to evacuate immediately, warning that it was unsafe to remain in their homes.

Panchayat president Premji James and his family were among those evacuated.
“That huge rock has become lodged midway down the hill. If the rains continue, it’s bound to come crashing down,” a fire and rescue officer from Narikkuni station told Onmanorama. “So, we alerted the panchayat authorities and advised residents in the valley to move out as soon as possible.”

Ward member Jincy Thomas said, “We have asked 21 families living in the valley, along the Thazhvara–Thangalkkunnu Bypass road, to vacate their homes for two to three days as a precaution.”

“The real danger is that the rock it got stuck on might also give way,” Jincy warned. “We’re also concerned about further slips from the hillside.”

The families have begun relocating to the homes of their relatives. The panchayat will convene a meeting to decide on opening a relief camp for the displaced families.