Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 26 (NationPress) A tragic incident unfolded when a man lost his life and his wife sustained critical injuries due to a landslide that engulfed their home in Adimali, located in Kerala's Idukki district. This devastating event prompted a challenging seven-hour rescue mission, executed by emergency responders and local citizens.

The victim has been identified as Biju, who was trapped alongside his wife Sandhya when a section of the hillside behind their residence collapsed around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, close to the national highway.

The impact of the mudslide was so severe that it entirely buried the couple’s dwelling, leaving them trapped beneath the concrete rubble. Rescue teams from the Fire and Rescue Services and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local volunteers, sprang into action, despite facing heavy rainfall and precarious ground conditions.

The couple were discovered wedged amidst large concrete beams, collapsed walls, and their furniture, making it exceptionally challenging for rescuers to access them.

Heavy machinery, including JCB machines, was deployed to clear away layers of mud and debris. After extensive efforts, both individuals were ultimately extracted from the wreckage.

Sadly, Biju succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rescued, while Sandhya, found alive but in critical condition, was swiftly transported to Rajagiri Hospital in Kochi, where she is currently receiving medical care.

Rescue officials noted that the couple’s entrapment beneath the beams significantly delayed their rescue. “We had to meticulously remove heavy concrete slabs, one at a time, to avoid causing further collapse. The risk of soil movement was considerable,” explained a fire service representative involved in the operation.

Local residents attributed the disaster to recent excavations on a nearby hill as part of a road-widening project, claiming that this weakened the slope and contributed to the landslide following prolonged rainfall in the area. Officials reported that the proactive evacuation of 22 families from the vicinity shortly before the calamity occurred played a crucial role in averting a larger disaster.

Several neighboring homes also suffered damage, with mud and debris invading their interiors and walls collapsing entirely. Authorities have secured the impacted area and launched a comprehensive investigation into the landslide's cause.