The search operation resumed on the sixth day for a person still missing after a devastating landslide at the Anakkampoyil–Meppadi tunnel project in Wayanad district, which claimed seven lives on July 7.
Landslide Details and Casualties
The landslide struck the construction site of the tunnel project intended to connect Wayanad and Kozhikode districts. According to officials, seven bodies have been recovered so far, while one worker remains unaccounted for. The incident occurred on July 7, and rescue teams have been working tirelessly since then.
As of July 12, the search resumed early morning with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities combing through debris. The missing person is believed to be a construction worker, though their identity has not been officially released.
Ongoing Search Efforts
Rescue personnel are using heavy machinery and sniffer dogs to locate the missing individual. The terrain remains challenging due to loose soil and ongoing monsoon rains, which have hampered operations. District officials stated that the search will continue until the person is found or the area is fully cleared.
"We are leaving no stone unturned," said a senior NDRF official on site. "The weather is unpredictable, but our teams are determined to complete the search."
Project Background and Safety Concerns
The Anakkoyil–Meppadi tunnel project is a key infrastructure initiative to improve connectivity between the hill district of Wayanad and Kozhikode. The landslide has raised questions about safety protocols at construction sites in ecologically sensitive areas. Environmental activists have previously flagged risks of such disasters due to heavy rainfall and unstable geology.
Kerala Chief Minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and announced compensation of ₹5 lakh each. A probe into the incident has been ordered to determine if negligence played a role.
