Tremors cause panic in Kodagu villages

Panic gripped Kodagu district as residents in different villages said they experienced tremors on Thursday night.

Nelliahudikeri, Nalvathekare and surrounding villages, which witnessed heavy rain on Thursday night experienced tremors. Archana, a homemaker in the area, said utensils and other things shook for a few seconds at her house.

Villagers in southern Kodagu, including, Kurchi, Ponnampet, Kanuru, Balale, Mayamudi, Nalkeri, Kalathmadu, Koturu, Balyamanduru, Thuchamakeri and surrounding areas claimed that they heard a rumbling sound from the earth’s core.

Residents of Kurchi village said they rushed out of their houses for safety. The residents in other villages said the rumbling noise and mild tremors were experienced up to 10 pm.

The residents said the wall of a bakery at Balale village has developed cracks following heavy rain accompanied by lightning and thunder in South Kodagu.

In July last year, the residents of Suntikoppa, Shanthalli, Bettadalli and Makkandooru in Somwarpet taluk had complained of tremors. “In last August, the region had witnessed massive landslides due to heavy rain,” a resident said.

The Mines and Geology Department officials said that the Richter scales, installed at Harangi dam near Kushalnagar and KRS dam in Mandya district, have not recorded any tremors. “The tremors also could have been caused due to intense thunders,” they said.

Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy said the mild tremors were restricted to a specific area. “Tremors of less than one intensity are not recorded on Richter scale installed at Harangi dam. In such cases, there will be no loss to lives and property. Thus, the people have no reasons to panic,” she added.

The residents, who experience tremors, can contact the district disaster management cell’s toll-free number (08272-221077) and seek help, she said.