Residents of Kerala’s Wayanad district, already reeling from recent landslides, were struck with panic on Friday morning as a mysterious booming sound and underground reverberations were reported in various locations, reported PTI.

The unsettling noise was particularly noted in areas such as Ambalavayal village and Vythiri Taluk, prompting concerns among the local population.

In response to the reports, Wayanad District Collector D R Meghashri announced that people residing in the affected zones are being relocated to safer areas. The district administration is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of residents.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) is actively investigating the incident, with seismic records being scrutinized to determine the source of the noise. However, initial assessments indicate no unusual seismic activity at the time the sound was heard.

The incident occurred around 10:15 AM, according to a local panchayat member. Given the recent history of devastating landslides in the region, which resulted in the loss of 226 lives and left many others missing, the mysterious noise has heightened fears among the community.

As a precaution, authorities have declared a holiday for schools in the affected areas. The situation continues to be monitored closely by both local and state officials.

With inputs from PTI.