Panic as ‘explosion-like’ sounds and tremors hit Malappuram’s Anakkallu area

A series of "explosion-like" sounds followed by mild tremors sent residents of the Anakkallu area in Nilambur, located in Kerala’s Malappuram district, into a state of panic on Tuesday night. The mysterious sounds, heard over the span of 90 minutes, prompted authorities to initiate an emergency evacuation of 287 people from 85 families to ensure their safety.

The first of these sounds occurred at approximately 9:15 p.m., with two more incidents following at 10:15 p.m. and 10:45 p.m., all within a two-kilometre radius of Anakkallu. The sudden disturbances led to widespread anxiety among people, with many fearing potential geological or structural threats.

The local police, revenue officials, and representatives evacuated the affected families to a nearby school building that was prepared as a temporary shelter. Officials coordinated efforts to secure the residents, ensuring calm as they guided them to safer ground.

By early Wednesday morning, conditions had stabilised, with many villagers cautiously returning to their homes. However, the origin of the sounds and tremors remains unknown, prompting authorities to investigate further.

Residents of Anakkallu continue to await clarity on the cause of the strange disturbances, with officials indicating that efforts are underway to assess any geological or structural anomalies in the area.