Kozhikode: Several houses were flooded after a major drinking water pipeline of the Kerala Water Authority burst on the Malaparamba–Florican Road in the early hours of Monday. The force of the water broke a compound wall, sending mud and water gushing into three houses and damaging property and household items.

The damaged pipeline is a 700 mm cement pipe, part of a decades-old network running from Malaparamba to Francis Road through Wayanad Road. With the line ruptured, drinking water supply along the entire stretch has been disrupted. The burst also created a large crater on the road, affecting traffic.

Kerala Water Authority officials said repair work has begun and may take a full day. “We are trying our best to complete the work today and restore supply as early as possible. One of the lines through Wayanad Road leading to Francis Road is now disrupted,” Assistant Engineer Manoj Kumar K said.

He added that due to the Malaparamba Bypass widening project, the pipeline was routed through Florican Road. New pipes have already been laid along most of the stretch, except for a few metres near Malaparamba junction. “Once that part is completed, the renovated line will become functional and the flow will bypass Florican Road entirely,” he said.

The burst pipe, made of cement, is nearly 50 years old and requires extensive repair, officials said.

Local residents said the situation is not new. “Three houses were affected, and two were flooded inside. Furniture and other household items are damaged. The families are in a pathetic situation with water and mud still trapped inside,” said Najeeb, ward convenor of the 12th ward.

“This is a repeated disaster. Three months ago another break created a crater here. The road was only recently patched. We have been demanding renovation for years but nothing has happened,” he added.

Ward member Shobitha KC said the pipeline urgently needs a complete overhaul. “New pipes have been laid except for a 160-metre stretch. Once that is completed, there will be a permanent solution,” she said.