One house destroyed in a landslip at Pazhampillichal near Adimaly in Keralam

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The landslip-hit Pazhampillichal area, near Adimaly, in Idukki. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

One house was destroyed following a major landslip at Pazhampillichal, near Adimaly, in Idukki in Keralam on Sunday night (September 21, 2026).

According to residents, the landslip occurred around 7.45 p.m. on Sunday, washing away the house of Cheradiyil Saji. No one was inside the house at the time of the landslip. Debris from the landslip inundated three neighbouring houses as well, but the occupants had a narrow escape. An autorickshaw and five twowheelers were buried under the debris.

Residents said the landslip occurred very close to the site of a landslip on July 21, 1997 that claimed 13 lives.

Following the landslip, Revenue department officials opened a relief camp at the Pazhampillichal Government Lower Primary School (GLPS). Five families have been relocated to the facility. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob, who is in charge of Idukki district, visited the affected area to review the situation.

Meanwhile, the bodies of Balakrishnan and his sister Chinnu who were killed following a mudslide at Kottakkamboor on Sunday evening were cremated on Monday. The post-mortem examinations were conducted at the Adimaly Taluk Hospital on Monday. Balakrishnan’s wife, Mariyamma, who sustained injuries, is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Munnar.

Minister Anoop Jacob paid his last respects to the deceased at the hospital. A delegation comprising District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt, Devikulam MLA F. Raja, and Deputy Collector Binu Joseph also attended the funeral.

Following a review meeting at Adimaly, the Minister said that initial financial assistance had been handed over to the families of the deceased. He added that a broader compensation package for affected residents would be announced soon.

“The government will rehabilitate the families from the landslip-hit area at Pazhampillichal. The District Collector has been directed to assess whether the area is safe for habitation and submit a report. Based on that report, the government will take further action,” Mr. Jacob said.

The Minister urged the public to avoid non-essential travel to hilly areas in the light of forecast of heavy rainfall and landslips. “The government will take steps to ensure the development of Vattavada and Kottakkamboor villages, as well as the Munnar area. This matter will be raised before the Cabinet,” he added.

A team led by the District Collector and Devikulam MLA inspected the Chaklinoda bridge, which connects Kottakkamboor to Thattampara village in Vattavada. The bridge was washed away by flash floods, leaving the residents of the village isolated. The MLA said the bridge would be reconstructed soon.

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