India, Aug. 18 -- The Ayyappa Betta (Hillock) and the Nehru Nagar Hillock at Virajpet in Kodagu are unsafe and all the residents must be evacuated immediately. Even people living at the foothills are in danger as the hillocks are vulnerable to landslides, observed a team from Geological Survey of India (GSI) that visited both the Hillocks yesterday. The team visited the areas following an urgent request from Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy.

Cracks have been observed at Ayyappa Hill and Nehru Nagar hills due to unprecedented rainfall lashing the District over the last few days. A 25-metre crack has developed on Ayyappa Hill. It has been filled with cement and sand and covered with plastic to prevent water seepage. Also at Ne...