Emergency responders during a rescue operation to save a trapped couple at the accident site in Idukki early Sunday (October 26, 2025).
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
A mudslide at Kumbanpara near Adimaly in Idukki on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway connecting Munnar, late Saturday (October 25, 2025), claimed the life of a resident, Biju, and seriously injured his wife, Sandhya.
The incident occurred at Kumbanpara Laksham Veedu colony at around 8 p.m. District authorities said that several days of heavy rain destabilised the terrain. They shifted several residents to nearby relief camps.
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The mishap occurred when Biju and Sandhya returned home from the camp to retrieve important documents and valuables. Emergency responders, including the Fire and Rescue Department, a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, police and volunteers, rushed to the spot.
According to emergency responders, piles of sodden mud partially buried their home, trapping them inside.
Emergency responders and local volunteers sensed signs of life under the collapsed concrete roof. They rushed earth movers to remove the fallen mud and used a pneumatic drill to break through the concrete roof to rescue the trapped family.
The emergency responders extricated Sandhya at around 9.45 p.m. and evacuated her to the hospital. However, reaching Biju proved more difficult. Finally, they rescued Biju at around 5 a.m. on Sunday (October 26, 2025).
They found him showing scarce signs of life. Doctors at the nearby hospital later pronounced Biju dead.
Meanwhile, residents alleged that the drastic excavation of mud for the construction of the Koch-Dhanushkodi National Highway had caused the mishap. They accused the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) contractors of showing scarce concern for public safety.
Meanwhile, the government has sought a report from the NHAI. Water Resources Minister Rosy Augustine, Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose, and Idukki District police Chief KM Sabu Mathew led the rescue operations.
On Friday (October 24, 2025) another mudslide occurred near the spot, causing traffic snarls and diversions. The district authorities have moved residents in the locality to a relief camp at the Adimali Government School.
Published – October 26, 2025 12:42 pm IST
