Thamarassery Churam closed to heavy vehicles amid landslide threat

Kozhikode: Authorities have imposed strict traffic restrictions on the Thamarassery Churam Road (Thamarassery Ghat Road) connecting Kozhikode and Wayanad following extremely heavy rainfall in the Lakkidi and Vythiri regions of Wayanad district.

The order was issued by Kozhikode District Collector M.S. Madhavikutty, who is also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, citing the heightened risk of landslides, mudslides and falling rocks.

Heavy vehicles diverted

The movement of heavy vehicles, multi-axle lorries, trailers and other large commercial vehicles has been prohibited through the Thamarassery Ghat Road until further orders.

These vehicles have been directed to use the Kuttiyadi Ghat Road or the Nadukani Ghat Road instead.

Tourist vehicles have also been temporarily barred from entering Wayanad through the Thamarassery Ghat.

The restrictions will not apply to KSRTC buses and other public transport vehicles, ambulances, Fire and Rescue Services, Civil Defence, police vehicles or those deployed for essential disaster management operations.

Police deployment and emergency preparedness

The District Collector has directed the Kozhikode Rural Police to deploy additional personnel at the Adivaram check post to regulate traffic and prevent the entry of restricted vehicles without official permission from the District Disaster Management Authority.

Rapid Response Teams stationed along the ghat road have also been instructed to strengthen emergency preparedness. Search and rescue equipment, excavators and tree-cutting machinery have been positioned at key locations, particularly between the 6th to 9th hairpin bends, to clear any landslides or road blockages without delay.

Public advised to avoid non-essential travel

Officials from the National Highways wing of the Public Works Department and the Forest Department have been asked to conduct continuous patrols along the ghat section.

In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the District Collector has urged the public to avoid all non-essential travel between Kozhikode and Wayanad until the situation improves.