Landslide Hits Sabarimala Route at Attathode; Road Cleared, Travel Resumes
Pathanamthitta, Kerala: A landslide occurred on the Sabarimala pilgrimage route at Attathode, near the Nilakkal base camp, after continuous heavy rainfall triggered rocks and debris to fall onto the road, temporarily disrupting vehicle movement.
Forest Department officials confirmed that an excavator (JCB), which was seen on the Sabarimala route around midnight, had been deployed for emergency road clearance and maintenance operations. Authorities swiftly removed the fallen rocks and debris, and the route has now been cleared, allowing travel to resume.
The Attathode stretch had also witnessed a similar incident the previous night, when large trees fell onto the road around 12:00 a.m. Following overnight clearance operations, the road was reopened by 4:00 a.m., highlighting the continuing impact of heavy rainfall on the Sabarimala route.
Despite the restoration of traffic, officials have warned that the situation remains dangerous due to the ongoing heavy rains. Given the continued risk of landslides, the police have issued a strict caution to pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala.
Meanwhile, the Moozhiyar Dam has been placed on Red Alert.
As a precaution, authorities have implemented traffic diversions at key locations, including Ranni and Thiruvalla. Barricades have been erected, and the district administration is strongly advising devotees to avoid travelling to Sabarimala unless absolutely necessary.
In view of the continuing heavy rainfall and the Orange Alert issued for Pathanamthitta district, authorities have advised devotees to postpone their pilgrimage until weather conditions improve. With the risk of flash floods, rising river levels, and possible landslides, pilgrims are urged to strictly follow advisories issued by the district administration, police, and disaster management authorities.