Experts confirm Wayanad phenomenon not an earthquake; Tremor felt in several areas

KALPATTA: Experts have clarified that the recent earth phenomenon in Wayanad district was not an earthquake, as no tremors were recorded on seismometers, according to the National Seismological Center. However, they noted that a tremor did occur, and the cause is currently under investigation.

Local residents reported hearing a sound similar to thunder, and tremors were also felt in Kozhikode district, particularly in Kudaranji and Mukkam. The noise reportedly occurred twice within a minute. The tremors were first detected in the Vaithiri and Sultan Bathery taluks of Wayanad.

There were reports of a minor earthquake in areas adjacent to Kurichyarmala, Pinangode, Murikapp, Ambukuthimala, and Edakkal Caves. Following these reports, the revenue department instructed local residents to evacuate. The Vaithiri Tehsildar has directed village officers to assess the situation on-site. In response, Ambalavayal GLP School, located near Edakkal Cave, was given a holiday, along with a nearby Anganwadi.

Residents in Murikapp reported that the tremor caused glasses on a table in a building under construction to fall. Scientists and workers at the Ambalavayal Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) also reported hearing loud noises and rumblings.

Slight tremors and rumblings were felt underground in the Padiparamb, Ambukuthi, and Ambalavayal RARS areas of Nenmeni village. Residents of Sudhagiri in Pozhuthana village and Setukukunn in Achuranam village under Vaithiri taluk reported hearing loud noises. There are indications that the tremor may have impacted the Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas, which were previously affected by the Wayanad disaster.