Deep cracks in ground prompt evacuation in Kerala’s Kasaragod; soil piping suspected

Panic gripped residents of Kajaey in Vorkady panchayat in Kasaragod, Kerala, after deep cracks formed in the ground, prompting authorities to evacuate people from the area as a precautionary measure on Friday (July 18, 2025).

According to officials, the cracks, reportedly over two metres deep, appeared in multiple spots, causing a section of the land to collapse. Local residents have raised safety concerns even as the cause of the cracks remains unclear.

Revenue and disaster management officials have inspected the site.

Hazard analyst P.A. Shilpa said similar cracks had been reported earlier. It is suspected to be caused due to soil piping, also know as tunnel erosions.

She explained that it is a subsurface soil erosion process, where water flows through the ground, creating underground tunnels or channels that can eventually lead to the collapse of the soil surface. This process can cause significant land degradation and is a concern in areas prone to landslides and subsidence.

She said these cracks could have also be formed due to the operation of quarries, which could possibly be a contributing factor. “Vibrations from quarrying activities can accelerate the formation of such cracks,” she said.

A report has been submitted that the areas is not suitable for residing, she added.