The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Tuesday handed over ₹1 lakh as interim compensation to Sandhya, whose husband Biju was killed and whose house was destroyed in a devastating landslip on an under-construction stretch of the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway (NH 85) at Adimali on October 25, 2025.

A huge mass of soil crashed into Laksham Veedu Colony, completely destroying eight houses and rendering several others unsafe. A major disaster was narrowly averted as the Adimali grama panchayat had evacuated around 50 families hours earlier after cracks were detected in the area.

More than three months after the incident, survivors continue to struggle for support. Sandhya, who lost her left leg in the landslide, is still awaiting substantial assistance from the authorities.

Biju and Sandhya were inside their house on the night of October 25, having returned briefly to collect important documents, when the landslide struck. Biju was brought out dead, and Sandhya sustained severe injuries and was hospitalised for 39 days. Her treatment expenses were borne by Malayalam actor Mammootty through the Mammootty Care and Share Foundation, offering critical relief during her recovery.

Despite this, Sandhya requires frequent follow-up care. "She has to visit the hospital once every eight days. Her right leg is also injured, and each trip costs at least ₹4,000," said her brother Sandeep. He and their parents are currently caring for Sandhya after renting a house about two kilometres from the disaster site.

Sandhya's daughter, Arya, a nursing student in Kottayam, is staying in a hostel. The family received some relief after the college management assured support for her education. Sandeep said the ₹1 lakh compensation was credited to Sandhya's bank account by the contracting company, but no assistance has so far come from the Kerala government. "We have not received any support from the state authorities yet," he said.

Many other affected families remain in a similar situation. About 50 families received ₹15,000 each from the NHAI contractor as immediate relief. However, at least eight families whose houses were destroyed, along with 20 more living in identified red-zone areas, were forced to relocate. The NHAI contractor had promised to cover the rental expenses of these 28 families.

"Even three months after the landslide, not a single family has received rent assistance," said T S Sidhiq, Adimali district panchayat president. Traffic on the highway stretch was restored a few days after the incident, but construction work remains incomplete.