Landslide in Wayanad, Kerala Kills One, Seven Missing Near Tunnel Project

WAYANAD: At least one person was killed, seven others were injured and another seven remain missing after a landslide struck Kalladi near Meppady in Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday. The landslide occurred near Meenakshi Bridge, where construction was underway on the proposed Wayanad–Malappuram tunnel road project. Fire and Rescue Services personnel, police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams rushed to the site and launched rescue operations. Search efforts are underway to trace the missing. According to officials, local residents rescued three people from the affected area, where workers associated with the tunnel project were staying. The site also has a few houses and homestays, raising concerns that more people could be trapped. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said five people were injured after rubble from the tunnel construction site slid down following heavy rain. Several vehicles used to transport tunnel workers were also damaged in the landslide. An NDRF team stationed at Meenangadi has been rushed to the site, while another team from Kozhikode has been directed to assist in the rescue efforts. The rescue operation is being coordinated by Wayanad district authorities and state minister T Siddique, who is monitoring the situation along with the district collector to determine if anyone remains trapped. The CMO said chief minister VD Satheeshan reviewed the situation with the Wayanad district collector over the phone and later held an emergency meeting. He directed revenue minister AP Anil Kumar and minister T Siddique to proceed to Wayanad immediately to oversee rescue and relief operations. A red alert was issued by the IMD in Wayanad, where very heavy rainfall was received in Mananthavady and Vythiri areas during the day.(With PTI inputs)