Malappuram: Creating panic and nervousness among hundreds of people living in Pothukallu and Anakallu Panchayat heard underground explosions that had its impact up to one kilometre. The explosions were heard twice, one at 8:45 am today and the other explosion was heard yesterday late night. The state disaster management authority, officials from the geology department arrived at the spot and are analysing the situation and thereby trying to ascertain the cause of the loud explosion.
Panchayat officials have asked villagers in the 2 areas to vacate to a temporary relief camps. Meanwhile, Kerala State disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has informed that the explosion was not part of an earthquake.
The 287 people from 85 families were shifted to a school building late Tuesday night, they added. The first sound was reportedly heard at 9.15 pm, followed by two more – at 10.15 pm and 10.45 pm – along with mild tremors.
The sounds were reportedly heard within a two-km radius, causing panic among the local residents, police said.
“We heard a loud explosion beneath the earth surface post 9 pm yesterday. Initially we thought it could be some boulders that have fell from the hilly areas. When many people in the area heard the same sound we all became nervous and out of panic and fear gathered near the road. Village officials reached the spot yesterday and were inspecting the area for some time. We tried to reach out to the officials from the geology department, but they are yet to arrive at the spot”, said Manoharan, a resident of Anakkallu.
Earlier in august, days after the landslides in Wayanad, similar sounds were heard in various parts of Kozhikode regions leading to panic among the public residing in the hilly terrains.
Police, revenue officials, and local representatives reached the spot after hearing about the incident and arranged safe shelter for the families.
The villagers began returning to their houses on Wednesday morning.
