Thiruvananthapuram: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has pointed out in its probe report that the Pettimudy landslide resulted from extremely heavy rain. It is also stated that Pettimudy is an ecologically fragile land. The extremely heavy rainfall that lasted for a week ended up in the landslip. The report also recommended that the lane of houses in Pettimudy should be relocated to a safe place. Mathrubhumi News received a copy of the GSI report.

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The report of the GSI is the first authentic study report to be published after Pettimudy landslide occurred. The extremely heavy rainfall received in the place from July 30 to August 10 gauged between 24-26 centimetres. This was the reason for the tragedy. All the mapping studies conducted in the site prove that it is an ecologically fragile land.

The places where the lane of houses are situated is in the hill valley. There are many small trees and rocks in the place. Its top portion was weakened after one-week-long rainfall and thus the rocky hill collapsed. The victims of the tragedy are labourers who have been staying there for 50 years. As no similar incident has occurred there before, they were not prepared, it is noted in the report.

The report suggested that the lane of houses should be relocated in view of disasters and that no constructions should be done near the riverside here. The road to Edamalakkudy goes through Pettimudy. The road should be lifted and there should be canals for channeling out water, the report recommended.