Kerala Wayanad Landslide Strikes Near Meppady. (Image: Internet)
Wayanad: A major landslide struck the Kalladi area near Meppady in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday, prompting a large-scale rescue operation as authorities feared that workers and residents could be trapped beneath the debris.
The landslide occurred near Meenakshi Bridge, where construction activities for the Anakkompoyil-Meppady tunnel road project are underway. The project aims to improve connectivity between Wayanad and Malappuram districts.
Fire and Rescue Services officials from Kalpetta were immediately dispatched after receiving information about the incident. Rescue personnel, along with police teams and members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), reached the location to begin search operations.
Authorities are assessing the situation and trying to determine the exact number of people who may have been affected. Officials said rescue efforts are focused on locating anyone trapped beneath the mud and debris.
Before the arrival of official rescue teams, local residents managed to save three people from the landslide-hit zone. Officials revealed that the rescued individuals were staying at accommodation facilities used by workers involved in the tunnel road project.
However, authorities are continuing verification efforts to find out whether more workers or nearby residents remain missing.
The landslide affected an area with several houses and homestays, creating concerns over the safety of people living nearby. Multiple vehicles used for transporting tunnel project employees were also damaged after being caught in the debris.
Officials said the complete scale of destruction is still being assessed.
Minister T Siddique and the Wayanad District Collector are monitoring the rescue operations and coordinating with various agencies. Teams are also examining whether the landslide has caused damage to the ongoing tunnel construction work.
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Kerala’s hilly regions to landslides during periods of heavy rainfall and extensive construction activity. Rescue operations are expected to continue until authorities confirm the safety of all affected individuals.
