Landslide at Tunnel Project Site in Kerala's Wayanad District Causes Casualties

Landslide Incident in Wayanad

On Tuesday, a landslide occurred at a tunnel road project site near Kalladi in Wayanad district, Kerala, raising concerns about several individuals potentially trapped under the debris. The incident took place close to the Meenakshi Bridge, where work is ongoing for the Anakkampoyil-Meppadi tunnel project connecting Malappuram and Wayanad districts. Tragically, one person has lost their life, and at least seven others have sustained injuries, according to officials from the Fire and Rescue Services.

Rescue Operations Underway

As reported by officials involved in the mission, the landslide occurred near the Meenakshi Bridge, where the tunnel road project is being developed. Local residents managed to rescue at least three individuals from the site where workers associated with the tunnel project were residing. Additionally, some vehicles transporting tunnel workers were also damaged in the landslide.

Government Response and Investigation

In response to the disaster, police and personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for rescue efforts. Following the landslide, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan convened an emergency meeting with Wayanad Minister T. Siddique, instructing him to coordinate the rescue operations. A statement from the Chief Minister's office indicated that Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar has been directed to travel to Wayanad immediately alongside Minister Siddique.

Official Comments on the Incident

Agriculture Minister T. Siddique attributed the incident to unscientific dumping of debris related to the ongoing tunnel project, stating that if prior warnings had been heeded, this disaster could have been avoided. He emphasized that this was not a natural landslide but one caused by human actions, specifically due to the improper disposal of soil excavated from the site.