Malappuram Underground Rumbling: What Led To The Sound That Triggered Evacuation Of Over 280 Residents

The unusual sounds resembling explosions, accompanied by mild tremors, began around 9:15 PM, with two more similar incidents reported at 10:15 PM and 10:45 PM, causing panic among the villagers.

Malappuram news: In a late-night incident on Tuesday, over 280 residents of Anakkallu village in Kerala’s Malappuram district were temporarily evacuated after experiencing sounds resembling explosions, accompanied by mild tremors. The unusual occurrences began around 9:15 PM, with two more similar incidents reported at 10:15 PM and 10:45 PM, causing panic among the villagers.

Local authorities quickly responded, relocating 287 people from 85 families to a nearby school building as a precaution. The affected area spanned a two-kilometer radius, with residents reporting a series of alarming noises. Revenue officials, police, and local representatives coordinated the evacuation and ensured the safety of the residents.

By Wednesday morning, the situation stabilised and the evacuated residents began returning to their homes.

What Caused The Tremors?

Officials from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) indicated that this was not the first time such noises were reported in the region. Similar incidents occurred on October 18 at around 4:45 AM, with reports of rumbling sounds. According to a senior KSDMA official, these are acoustic emissions caused by minor rock ruptures at shallow depths, releasing energy as sound waves. These events can also be categorized as minor or shallow earthquakes, which are often undetected by standard sensor networks, as per a report on The Manorama.

The official linked the phenomenon to the area's geological characteristics, noting that the region has several fracture zones. Such acoustic emissions could be triggered by groundwater extraction or minor shifts in these fracture zones.

The authorities, however, ensured that there was no immediate reason to panic. The KSDMA official assured that they are considering a geophysical study in the area and are in contact with NIT Surathkal to investigate the subsurface profile.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, while plans for a comprehensive study of the region's geological activity are being discussed.