A major landslide struck a tunnel construction site in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday, leaving several workers feared trapped beneath debris and triggering a large-scale rescue operation. The incident occurred amid continuous heavy rainfall that has affected several parts of the hill district over the past few days.
Authorities said multiple labourers sustained injuries, while rescue teams are searching for those believed to be trapped at the site.
Rescue Teams Launch Search Operation
The landslide occurred near Meenakshi Bridge, where construction is underway on the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi twin tunnel project connecting Malappuram and Wayanad districts.
Residents living nearby rushed to the site immediately after the incident and helped rescue several workers before emergency responders arrived. Fire and Rescue Services later joined the operation, followed by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), which continues to search the affected area.
Incident Revives Memories Of 2024 Disaster
The latest landslide has raised fresh concerns as the construction site is located close to Mundakkai, the area that witnessed one of Kerala’s deadliest landslides in 2024, claiming more than 300 lives.
The recurrence of a major landslide in the region has intensified concerns about safety in vulnerable hill areas during the monsoon season.
Government Orders Immediate Response
Following the incident, the Kerala government initiated emergency measures to oversee rescue efforts. Senior ministers were directed to reach Wayanad and coordinate relief operations with district authorities and emergency agencies.
Officials are also examining the circumstances surrounding the landslide to determine whether construction activity or debris accumulation contributed to the incident, alongside the impact of continuous rainfall.
Rescue operations were continuing at the time of filing this report, with authorities working to locate those still feared trapped beneath the debris.
