Munnar: Residents of Erachilpara, a hill along the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway at Devikulam in Idukki, are facing the threat of mud and rock debris sliding down from an area uphill, where a landslide occurred a year ago, during heavy rains. By Sunday afternoon, nearly half the highway was blocked by debris. If the mud and rocks move another 10 metres, they could crash onto nearby houses.

With the road partially blocked, only small vehicles are allowed through. Residents of nearby houses have begun relocating. More than 25 families live in the area.

On August 11 2024, a large section of the forested hillside above the Government LP School at Erachilpara, about 100 metres long, collapsed and sent debris onto the highway. Two months ago, the Forest Department granted permission to clear soil and rocks and cut down trees in precarious positions above the collapsed section. Even though a contractor started removing the soil on July 5, he unexpectedly stopped the work two days later and left the area along with his employees.