Two dead, seven missing after massive landslide hits Wayanad tunnel project amid heavy rain
Wayanad landslide: A major landslide near an under-construction tunnel in Kerala's Wayanad district claimed two lives while at least seven workers are still missing. Eight others were injured in the incident, which happened after continuous heavy rainfall lashed the region.
The landslide took place near Meenakshi Bridge, where work is in progress on the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi twin tunnel project. The proposed tunnel is expected to improve road connectivity between Malappuram and Wayanad once completed.
According to officials, the missing people are believed to include engineers and security personnel working at the construction site. The injured were rushed to WIMS Hospital in Meppadi, where they are receiving treatment.
The incident occurred close to Mundakkai, one of the worst-hit areas during the devastating Wayanad Landslides of 2024, bringing back painful memories for local residents.
Heavy rain triggered the disaster
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said Wayanad received around 265 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, the highest recorded in the district this monsoon season so far. A red alert had already been issued because of the intense rain.
Videos shared on social media showed a huge flow of mud and debris rushing down the hillside, uprooting trees and forcing people to run for safety.
The area also has several houses and homestays, raising fears that more people may have been affected. Local residents were among the first to begin rescue efforts before fire and rescue teams reached the spot. Later, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams joined the operation to search for those trapped.
Kerala Agriculture Minister T. Siddique blamed the incident on poor handling of debris at the construction site. He said the landslide was not caused only by rain but also by the way excavated soil had been piled up.
According to the minister, district authorities had earlier warned Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL), which is executing the project, about the possibility of a landslide and had asked that the accumulated soil be cleared. He alleged that the warning was ignored.
Reports suggest that soil removed during tunnel excavation had been dumped on one side of the project area. Heavy rain is believed to have washed the loose earth downhill, leading to the collapse.
Following the incident, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan convened an emergency meeting to review the situation. Agriculture Minister T. Siddique and Revenue Minister AP Anil Kumar have been sent to Wayanad to oversee rescue and relief operations.
Search teams continue to look for the missing workers despite difficult weather conditions.
- With inputs from agencies
