Thiruvananthapuram: An unnatural thundering sound at Ambalavayal-Edakkal regions of Wayanad on Friday triggered panic, especially in view of the recent landslides.
The thundering sound was heard by around 10.15 am from various regions like Ambalavayal, Edakkal and Sugandhagiri, which are about 10 to 20 kilometres from the recent landslide hit Chooralmala - Mundakkai regions. There were also reports that similar sounds were heard from parts of adjacent Kozhikode and Palakkad districts along the western ghats.
The National Centre for Seismology said in a statement that no earthquakes were reported in the seismological stations in the region. The sound may be due to the shifting of land masses accumulated during landslides from one level to another lower level for better stabilisation of the land masses, NCS said.
On hearing the sound the people frantically rushed out of their homes. Many families took shelter in a relief camp already functioning in the region. Local people told reporters that initially many felt that it could be thunder. But it was felt that the sound came from beneath the earth's surface on the mountains. Many also felt the window panes and vessels on tables shaking.
PM to visit Wayanad
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the landslide hit areas on Saturday. A team of experts from the centre is already visiting the Wayanad region in order to evaluate the severity of the landslides.
A cabinet sub committee held talks with the central team and sought central assistance of Rs. 2,000 crore for the rehabilitation, public works minister P A Muhammed Riyas told reporters.
The state government announced an immediate assistance of Rs. 10,000 to each family in the relief camps and up to two earning members of each family will be paid Rs. 300 per day for 30 days. For families with bedridden patients or those requiring prolonged treatment, three members of the family will be given the assistance. Steps to rehabilitate families in relief camps are progressing. So far 125 houses and government quarters were identified for temporary rehabilitation.
On Friday four bodies in highly decomposed condition were reported to be spotted at Soochipara waterfall region. Though a search was carried out at landslide hit regions during the day along with the earlier residents of the region, no bodies could not be traced.
As per official figures, the total death toll in the July 30 landslide so far reached 226 and 133 are still missing. As many as 403 body parts were also recovered so far.