A daily wager's dream of moving into his new home has turned into a nightmare after a huge underground cave was found beneath the house in Kasaragod, Kerala.

Sadan, from Anakkallu, and his family spent three years building the house. They spent around ₹30 lakh on it. Their housewarming ceremony was planned for August 28.

But just days before the ceremony, the family was forced to leave the house after the ground beneath it was found to be unsafe.

The family used their savings, sold gold ornaments, borrowed money from friends and took bank loans to build the house.

Cave found while digging septic tank

The large underground space was found by chance when workers were digging a pit for a septic tank behind the house.

The workers heard the sound of water coming from deep underground. They first tried to cover the opening because they were worried that children could fall into it.

Soon, more of the ground gave way.

Further digging revealed a deep cave several metres below the ground. It also appeared to stretch beneath a large part of the house and the front yard.

A natural stream is flowing through the underground space. The flowing water is also washing away the soil below the house, raising concerns about the building's safety.

Family's savings gone

For Sadan and his family, the discovery has put years of hard work and savings at risk.

Sadan did much of the work himself to reduce construction costs. He laid the floor tiles and worked on the foundation at night using solar lamps.

The family spent around ₹30 lakh on the house. They sold gold ornaments, used their savings, borrowed from friends and took several bank loans to complete the construction.

Now, their new home remains unused.

Geologists to inspect the property

The family is afraid to enter the house because they are unsure about its safety.

They are waiting for geologists to inspect the site and find out how large the underground cave is. The inspection will also determine whether the land or any part of the house can be saved.

With their savings exhausted and their new house unsafe, Sadan and his family have appealed to the government and local authorities for help.