Search operations are ongoing in Wayanad district for five individuals still missing following a landslide at a tunnel road construction site, police confirmed on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has so far claimed three lives.
Unnatural Death Case Registered
Wayanad Superintendent of Police Devamanohar informed reporters that a case of unnatural death has been registered in connection with the landslide, and an investigation has been initiated. The police are working to determine the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
Search and Rescue Efforts Intensified
According to the SP, rescue teams have been divided into four zones to cover the affected area systematically. Resources deployed include cadaver dogs, fire force personnel, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams. Search efforts are also focusing on areas downstream of the river, while the road towards Chooralmala has been cleared of debris.
However, significant amounts of mud remain at the incident site, and clearance can only proceed after the search operations are completed, the officer added.
Government Calls It 'Man-Made Disaster'
The state government has labeled the incident a "man-made disaster," alleging that accumulated mud at the construction site was not removed despite directives from the district administration and Public Works Department Minister PK Basheer. The government claims this negligence contributed to the landslide's severity.
In response, the general manager of the construction company refuted the allegations, stating that the landslide occurred well above the work site and not on the land allocated to the company. He asserted that the accumulated mud was not the cause of the disaster.
When approached for comment, Wayanad District Collector Meghashree DR declined to respond to the company's claims.
Rescue Official Highlights Mud Accumulation
An official involved in the rescue operations acknowledged that while the landslide originated above the construction site, the mud accumulated in the area exacerbated the intensity of the mudslide. The official also noted that ongoing rains are hampering search and rescue efforts.
Victims Identified
The three confirmed fatalities are all migrant workers: Chandraban, an operator from Madhya Pradesh; Bikash Kumar, a civil foreman from Bihar; and Anmol, a worker from Jharkhand. Seven other individuals injured in the incident are receiving treatment at the Meppadi WIMS Hospital.
Chief Minister to Visit Site
Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan is scheduled to visit the landslide site on Wednesday, according to government sources. The visit is expected to assess the situation and coordinate further relief measures.
