KALPETTA: Huge tremors and vibrations underground in Wayanad, where hundreds of lives were lost in landslides. Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkad also experienced similar tremors. The source has not been identified.

In Wayanad, tremors were felt in three panchayats of Vythiri taluk and two panchayats of Bathery taluk. The tremor was felt about 25 km away from the Mundakkai region where the landslide occurred. People were shifted from this region. Classes were stopped in the schools at the foothills. Edakkal Cave visit was restricted. People ran out of their houses hearing the noise.

The district administration issued a warning. A camp was set up at Ambalavayal Govt Higher Secondary School for families to relocate. The first report to the collectorate came from places in Nenmeni village. Residents of Nenmeni said they ran out of their houses as the ground shook after the sound.

People in the Ambukuthi area said that glass shelves and utensils were slightly shaken. Those in Koodaranji, Kozhikode, said that they thought it was thunder but came out after realizing that the noise was coming from underground. Those in Menamkulam near Karipur said they heard a slight shaking of the windows and a loud bang. Residents of Edappal Chandakunnu revealed that they were panicked after the windows shook with a thunder-like sound.

Vibration: Between 10 am and 10.30 am

Duration: Twice for five seconds to one and a half minutes

Wayanad:

Ambukuthi Mala mountain ranges where the historic Edakkal cave is situated, RARS in Ambalavayal village, Mankombu, Ambukuthi Malika in Nenmeni village, Padiparambu, Sugandhagiry in Vythiri taluk, Settukkunnu in Achooranam village, Karattapidi in Vengapally village, Mailadipadi, Cholapuram, Thekumthara, Kurichyarmala, Pinangode. Murikap, Melmuri, Chennayakavala

Kozhikode

Koodaranji, Mukkam, Kavilumpara, Kollengode

Malappuram

Edapal Chantakunn, Mathankulam near Karipur Airport

Palakkad

Ottapalam, Panamanna, Chalavara, Alanallur, Kunjukulam

Not an earthquake

The National Seismologic Centre said that it was not an earthquake but a phenomenon after the landslide. No tremors were recorded on seismometers. Geology and revenue department officials are continuing to inspect the areas. Geological Survey of India confirmed the incident.

"There is no reason to associate this with an earthquake. As the stagnant water flowed away, the rocks were relieved of great pressure. At this stage, some noises etc. may arise. This is such a phenomenon.

-Dr D Padmalal,

National Center for Geosciences

Former Head of Hydrology Department