Kattappana (Idukki): A powerful landslide occurred in the early hours of Saturday around 1:30 am in the Kunthalampara area near Kattappana, triggered by heavy overnight rainfall that lashed the region. A loud, terrifying sound preceded the disaster as a massive rush of mud, rocks, and debris tumbled down from the hill slopes, sweeping away roads and agricultural land in its path.
The landslide ripped through roads and farmlands, leaving stretches of roadway impassable and fields that once held crops such as cardamom and pepper destroyed under thick layers of mud. Large trees and boulders were also dislodged, intensifying the impact on the landscape and blocking key transportation routes.
The affected area had previously experienced similar landslide activity during the devastating rainfall events of 2019, making residents acutely aware of the risk posed by incessant monsoon showers.
Although no casualties or injuries have been reported, the destruction to property and farmland underscores the severity of the incident. Local authorities and disaster response teams began early efforts to clear debris using heavy machinery to reopen roads and restore basic connectivity for residents.
The landslide comes amid continued heavy rains across Idukki district, which have also resulted in reports of smaller landslips in nearby areas such as Nedumkandam and Kuttar, where flash floods have damaged vehicles and further disrupted daily life.
With rising water levels in local dams, including Kallar and Mullaperiyar, shutters were opened to release excess water, adding to concerns over flooding in low-lying regions. Officials have warned residents to remain vigilant as weather conditions continue to pose risks of additional landslides and flooding
