Thamarassery: Officials from the Department of Geology have inspected the site at Mannathiyettu hill in Thazhvaram ward of Kattippara panchayat, where a recent soil slippage caused massive boulders to crash into the valley below.

The inspection followed a request made by Kattippara panchayat president Premji James and Standing Committee president A K Aboobacker Kutty, who met with the District Collector to highlight the grave situation. The landslip has forced 23 families living in the valley to relocate, citing imminent danger.

In response to the Collector’s direction, Assistant Geologist Akhil S Sushil visited the site, accompanied by office assistant Siraj. The inspection confirmed the severity of the risk. Elected representatives, including panchayat president Premji James, were also present during the inspection.

Assistant Geologist Akhil said a detailed report would be prepared and submitted to the District Collector through the District Geologist. The panchayat has urged authorities to immediately remove not only the boulders that have already fallen but also those still perched precariously atop the hill, which continue to pose a serious threat.

Local residents stressed that the displaced families can return to their homes only after all the dangerous boulders, both at the hilltop and the base, are cleared. The landslip occurred on Saturday morning, dislodging several large rocks that came crashing down into the valley.