Wayanad landslide: 3 dead, several missing as rescue operations continue
Wayanad, July 8
At least three people were killed and several others remain missing after a landslide struck the Kalladi tunnel construction site in Meppadi Grama Panchayat of Keralam's Wayanad district on Tuesday, officials said. Multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force, police, Fire and Rescue Services and other government departments, are engaged in search and rescue operations.
According to the Wayanad Public Relations Department (PRD), the landslide occurred after a large quantity of excavated earth, removed as part of the tunnel construction project, collapsed onto the site.
The PRD said three deaths have been confirmed so far, while the toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Nine injured persons have been admitted to hospitals for treatment, while several people are reported missing. Authorities said search and rescue efforts are underway to trace those trapped under the debris.
Meanwhile, a review meeting chaired by MLA I C Balakrishnan was held at Kalladi to coordinate rescue efforts. MLA C K Asha, District Panchayat President Chandrika Krishnan, District Collector D R Meghashree, District Police Chief Deva Manohar, ADM K Ajish, Sub-Collector Athul Sagar, local elected representatives and officials attended the meeting.
Temporary shelters have been arranged at the Mundakkai Forest Station and the Chooralmala Church Hall for residents stranded on either side of the bridge. Authorities have also taken steps to ensure the safety of schoolchildren and evacuate residents from vulnerable areas, including Erattukundu, Attamala, Mammikkunnu and Ambedkar Colony.
Officials said construction work at the tunnel site had already been suspended due to heavy rainfall following earlier directions from the district administration. The Public Works Department has been directed to inspect the structural safety of the Meenakshi Bridge after the debris is cleared.
Speaking to ANI, a survivor of the landslide, Ashik, recounted the incident and said the landslide struck suddenly.
"The entire mound of soil that had been piled up there suddenly collapsed and came crashing down. The incident happened at around 11 a.m.," he said.
An eyewitness, Ajmal, said the incident unfolded within moments after people heard a loud sound and rushed out of nearby shops.
"We first heard a sound, and everyone immediately ran out of the shop. At first, we saw a small portion of the soil sliding down. When we heard the sound and came outside, the small landslide suddenly turned into a massive collapse. We warned everyone nearby to move away. People were waiting at the bus stop, and labourers were working in the area."
— ANI
Reader Comments
😔 Horrible incident. The eyewitness description of how quickly it escalated is terrifying. Glad authorities are setting up shelters for stranded families in Mundakkai and Chooralmala. Hope rescue teams can reach everyone in time. Wayanad is no stranger to such calamities, need better disaster preparedness.
Such a sad event. My thoughts are with the people of Wayanad. It's worrying that the death toll could rise. I hope the NDRF and local authorities can find any missing persons quickly. The bridge inspection is also a good step, safety first always.
Very unfortunate. But let's be honest, these landslides happen year after year in Kerala. The real problem is unregulated construction in ecologically fragile areas. The tunnel is essential for development, but proper geological surveys and monsoon protocols need to be strictly followed. Prayers for the missing. 🙏
💔 Absolutely heartbreaking. Hearing the eyewitness say they warned people to move away... just so scary. The rescue teams must be working tirelessly. Great to see MLA and district officials coordinating quickly. Let's hope no more lives are lost. Also important to check other vulnerable slopes nearby.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.