Heavy rain triggers major landslide in Wayanad near tunnel project; rescue operation underway

Continuous heavy rainfall triggered the landslide near the Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel project in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday, prompting an emergency rescue operation.

The incident occurred near an under-construction tunnel road project, where workers were present when the hillside gave way.  The landslide occurred near Meenakshi Bridge at Kalladi, close to the ongoing Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel road project, which connects the districts of Malappuram and Wayanad.

Construction workers were at the site when the landslide struck. Local residents rushed to help before emergency teams arrived, rescuing people from the debris in the initial response.

According to officials, two people were rescued from the debris, while five others were taken to a hospital. Search operations are continuing to determine whether anyone else remains trapped.

Authorities said Wayanad received 265 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, with the continuous downpour since Monday night believed to have caused the landslide.

Several vehicles used for transporting workers involved in the tunnel project were damaged. However, officials said there have been no reports of fatalities so far.

Although a few houses and homestays are located near the affected site, preliminary assessments indicate that residential properties have not suffered any damage.

Personnel from the Fire and Rescue Services were among the first responders to reach the site, while National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are expected to join the rescue efforts.

According to media reports, Kerala Agriculture Minister T Siddique and the District Collector are supervising the ongoing rescue operation and assessing the situation on the ground.

Following the incident, Chief Minister VD Satheesan convened an emergency meeting with Agriculture Minister Siddique and directed officials to carry out rescue and relief operations on a war footing.

The Chief Minister also instructed Revenue Minister AP Anil Kumar and Agriculture Minister Siddique to immediately travel to Wayanad and personally oversee the rescue efforts.