A major landslide struck the Anakkompoyil–Meppadi tunnel road project site at Kalladi in Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday, raising fears that several workers may be trapped beneath the debris. The incident occurred near Meenakshi Bridge, where construction of the tunnel linking Malappuram and Wayanad districts is underway.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Fire and Rescue Services personnel from Kalpetta rushed to the spot shortly after the incident. Search and rescue operations are being carried out by teams from the Fire and Rescue Services, police, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Continuous rainfall and unstable terrain have complicated rescue efforts, with authorities using heavy machinery to clear the debris while ensuring the safety of rescue personnel.
According to officials, local residents rescued at least three workers immediately after the landslide before emergency teams reached the site. Preliminary reports indicate that at least five people sustained injuries in the incident.
Affected Area and Background
The affected area includes workers' accommodation as well as a few nearby houses and homestays. The incident occurred near Chooralmala, one of the worst-hit areas in the devastating 2024 Wayanad landslides, once again highlighting the vulnerability of the hilly region during the monsoon season.
Official Oversight
Kerala Minister T Siddique and the Wayanad District Collector are overseeing the rescue efforts and verifying whether more people remain trapped. The Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel project, which aims to improve connectivity between Malappuram and Wayanad districts, commenced last year.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and further details on the number of people trapped and the cause of the landslide are awaited.
