Kochi: On Friday, the corresponding National Centre for Seismology (NCS) categorically denied having recorded any seismological activity in Wayanad, Kerala. However, residents of the region have been claiming to have heard and felt strange, loud booming sounds and vibrations. Such reports were received from several panchayats within the hill district, and these put the entire population in a state of discomfort.
They claimed that the sound resembled thunder and that it was audible to the community members of whom were the president of the panchayat, namely Anas Rosna Stephy, from around 10 am to 10:15 am. Stephy added that the noises were followed by a tinging feeling as if the ground was shaking, but the motion lasted for just a few seconds. Even the first impressions that represented the issue to be small and isolated quickly grew when similar complaints of occurrences were reported from different regions of Wayanad.
To these, authorities took precautionary measures. Some of the affected institutions include low primary schools, which were advised to close the riots in order to protect the lives of the students. The concern was heightened because of the incidences of landslides in the participating region, especially in areas of high vulnerability including Sugandhagiri.
District Geologist Shelju identified that the district is not equipped with the mechanisms to identify the seismic activity directly; however, attempts were being made to record the statements of the people to find out the cause of the phenomenon. The human personnel of the district administration is consulting several professionals and other authorities in a bid to come to terms with the matter.
The NCS official, again, confirmed that no earth tremors have been felt in Wayanad during the said period. On the other hand, as a sort of warning, a statement from the Chief Minister’s office, informed to the District Collector DR Meghasree, suggested that the government was attempting to move people from crowded areas where the sound was most frequent. Officials are still observing the prevailing circumstances and conducting inquiries regarding the causes of the incidents with the aim of protecting the people who live in the houses.
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