Three workers were killed and five others are missing after a landslide struck a tunnel construction project site in Wayanad district, Kerala, on Tuesday. The incident occurred at the site of a road tunnel being built under the state's infrastructure development programme.
Heavy rains trigger landslide at project site
According to district officials, the landslide was triggered by continuous heavy rainfall that has been lashing the region since Monday. The tunnel construction work had been halted due to the adverse weather, which meant fewer workers were present at the time of the incident. Despite the reduced workforce, the landslide caught several workers off guard.
Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local fire services deployed to the site. As of the latest reports, three bodies have been recovered, while search efforts continue for the five missing individuals. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released pending family notification.
Tunnel project part of state highway upgrade
The tunnel is part of a larger project to widen and upgrade the state highway connecting Wayanad to neighbouring districts. The project had been facing delays due to geological challenges and monsoon-related disruptions. A senior official from the Kerala Public Works Department stated, "We are cooperating fully with the rescue teams and will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the landslide."
Local authorities have urged people to avoid the area as rescue operations are ongoing. The district administration has also announced an initial compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased.
Monsoon season heightens landslide risk in Western Ghats
Wayanad, located in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, is prone to landslides during the monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September. In 2019, the region witnessed devastating landslides that killed over 100 people. The current incident underscores the persistent risks faced by infrastructure projects in hilly terrain during heavy rains.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences and assured that all possible assistance is being provided to the affected families. He also directed officials to expedite rescue and relief measures. The opposition has called for a review of safety protocols at construction sites in landslide-prone areas.
