Kerala’s Wayanad Tunnel Site Suffers Landslide, Rescue Teams Search For Trapped Workers
Landslide traps workers at Wayanad tunnel project site.
A landslide struck the site of a tunnel road project in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday, leaving several people feared trapped and prompting a major rescue operation. The incident occurred at Kalladi near Meppady, where construction work was underway for a tunnel connecting Wayanad and Malappuram districts, officials said. According to Fire and Rescue Services officials, the landslide occurred near Meenakshi Bridge at Kalladi, an area where workers associated with the tunnel project were staying.
The sudden collapse of earth and debris raised concerns that some workers may have been trapped at the site, leading authorities to immediately launch search and rescue efforts. Local residents were among the first to respond and managed to rescue at least three people from the affected area, officials said. According to reports citing the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), at least five people sustained injuries in the incident.
No deaths have been reported so far, although rescue teams are continuing operations to determine whether anyone remains trapped under the debris. The landslide also damaged a few vehicles used for transporting employees working on the tunnel project. Officials said emergency teams are assessing the extent of the damage while continuing search operations at the site. The difficult terrain and unstable conditions caused by the landslide have added challenges for rescue personnel.
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Police teams and personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to assist in the rescue operation. Fire and rescue officials, along with local authorities, are working to clear debris and search for any missing individuals. More details are expected as teams gather further information from the site. Following the incident, Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan held an emergency meeting and directed authorities to intensify rescue efforts. Wayanad Minister T. Siddique was asked to coordinate with officials and oversee the response operation on the ground.
The landslide has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Kerala’s hilly regions, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Wayanad has experienced several landslides in recent years due to its mountainous terrain, soil conditions and extreme weather events. Authorities often issue warnings in vulnerable areas during the monsoon season to minimise risks. Officials said the immediate priority remains locating any missing workers, providing medical assistance to the injured and ensuring the safety of people in the surrounding areas. Rescue operations are expected to continue until authorities confirm that all individuals at the site have been accounted for.
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