Focus on landslide prone areas in Ernakulam as Monsoon gains strength

As the southwest monsoon gradually gains strength, the district administration has gone into precautionary mode in areas marked as prone to landslides or landslides. Special attention is being given to certain neglected localities in Kothamangalam taluk, while a mitigation plan has been put in place for vulnerable places across the district, disaster management office officials said.

Places identified as vulnerable to potential landslides or landslides include Sathrappady near Kuttampuzha, Velloorkunnam near Muvattupuzha and Keelerimala in Kanayannur taluk, officials said. Besides, various places in Ayyampuzha in Aluva taluk and also Neriyamangalam in Kothamangalam have been identified as vulnerable places.

“There are about 14 families living in Sathrappady who may be relocated, while several of the 13 families have already been shifted from Keelerimala. Though there are some landslide-prone places in and around Ayyampuzha, there are no residents. There are no families in Velloorkkunnam either, but only a few shops,” the official said.

Vulnerable sites were identified from lists prepared by tehsildars and secretaries of local bodies based on the previous history and topography of the sites.

Officials said the disaster management plan focuses on evacuating affected residents well in advance in the event of an adverse situation.

“Tehsildars have been instructed to issue evacuation notices if the rain continues for two days or becomes dangerous in vulnerable areas. Two buildings have already been identified in each ward in vulnerable areas to be used as relief camps. The concerned village officers have been advised to keep the keys of the buildings to handle emergency situations,” the official said.

Officials of the District Disaster Management Office said that no major monsoon-related incident has been reported in the district so far this season. Before the onset of monsoon, the authorities activated taluk emergency operation centers in all the seven taluks in the district.

Published – 10 June 2026 11:00 PM IST