Thick fog, heavy rains hamper detailed inspection

Madikeri: Senior geologists and experts from the Kodagu District Disaster Management team and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel on Friday visited Ramakolli Hills and other hilly areas of Second Monnangeri in Madikeri which have developed cracks due to heavy rains.

Villagers and residents have expressed concern over deep cracks in the hills and rumours are rife that a disaster is in the offing like it happened in 2018 when many hills washed away. However, a detailed inspection was hampered due to rain and fog. Earth has caved in near the area which had witnessed landslides in 2018. The under-construction bridge at Ramakolli too has been damaged.

Residents have said that a series of earthquakes, with epicentres around M. Chembu village, was the reason for the cracks and they were worried whether the crack could result in a landslide. However, senior geologist Srinivas said that there is no link between the earthquake and the cracks.

The villagers took the team to the place where they had noticed the cracks. They were also taken to the places where landslides had occurred in 2018. The team found that there were minor cracks on the hill next to the site where a landslide had occurred in 2018.

The residents said that loud noises were heard from the region a few days ago and the water flow suddenly increased in the stream while there were driftwood and huge stones along the stream.

There are over 30 houses 900 metres towards the east of the foothill. The experts told the villagers that due to increased rainfall and foggy weather, a detailed inspection may not be possible at this juncture. The study can be taken up once the rain recedes, they said.