One person has died and seven are missing following a massive landslide at a construction site for a tunnel project in Wayanad, Kerala, prompting extensive rescue operations.
A significant landslide occurred on Tuesday in the Kalladi area of Wayanad district, Kerala, resulting in one confirmed death and seven individuals reported missing. The incident took place near the under-construction Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi twin tunnel project, specifically close to Meenakshi Bridge in Kalladi. This landslide was triggered by heavy rainfall that has persisted over the past few days, leading to a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple agencies.
The landslide impacted a section of the tunnel construction site where excavation work was actively underway. According to officials, the collapse buried a portion of the work area, trapping engineers and security personnel beneath mud and debris. Local residents were the first to respond, managing to rescue several injured workers before emergency teams arrived. As of now, authorities have confirmed one fatality and reported that eight individuals sustained injuries. Rescue teams are continuing their search for the seven missing workers, despite challenging weather conditions.
The incident occurred in a region that is part of the ambitious Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi twin tunnel project, which aims to enhance connectivity between the Wayanad and Malappuram districts. This area is also near the site of the devastating landslides that occurred in 2024.
A massive rescue operation is currently in progress at the Kalladi site. Personnel from the Fire and Rescue Services, police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and district authorities have been deployed to locate those trapped. Heavy machinery is being utilized with caution due to the unstable terrain and the risk of further landslides.
In response to the tragedy, Kerala Chief Minister convened an emergency meeting to monitor the situation closely. State ministers, including Agriculture Minister T. Siddique and Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar, have been dispatched to Wayanad to oversee the ongoing rescue efforts.
Agriculture Minister T. Siddique described the incident as a “man-made landslide,” asserting that the accumulation of excavated soil in an unscientific manner contributed to the collapse. He indicated that district authorities had previously warned the relevant agencies about the potential risks and called for accountability in the matter.
Authorities are urging residents to steer clear of landslide-prone areas and to avoid unnecessary travel in Wayanad. They have also emphasized the importance of adhering to weather advisories. Additionally, the public has been advised against gathering near the accident site to allow rescue teams to operate safely. With heavy rainfall continuing in the region, the administration has appealed for caution and preparedness among the local population.
According to The Sunday Guardian, the situation remains critical as rescue operations continue in the wake of this tragic event.