Two dead in Wayanad landslide as heavy rain triggers disaster; rescue ongoing
A major landslide triggered by continuous heavy rainfall struck Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday, killing two people and prompting a large-scale rescue operation. Authorities fear several others may still be trapped beneath the debris.
The landslide occurred near Meenakshi Bridge at Kalladi, close to the site of the ongoing Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel road project connecting Malappuram and Wayanad districts. Construction workers were in the area when the incident took place.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with locals assisting in pulling people to safety. Sources said at least 10 people may still be trapped under debris. Six injured people have been admitted to hospital for treatment.
Authorities reported that the area recorded 265 mm of rainfall in the preceding 24 hours, with incessant rain believed to have triggered the landslide. A few vehicles used for transporting tunnel project workers were damaged in the incident.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed condolences and said efforts are on to rescue those still trapped. She stated that Chief Minister VD Satheesan is personally monitoring relief efforts. 'Police and NDRF have been at the site for some time, SDRF teams and civil defence volunteers have also reached. We are all coordinating with the district administration,' she said.
'My deepest condolences to those who have lost precious family members, we will be by your side through this terrible time and give you every support possible. Our prayers and hope for those who have still not been found, may they stay strong while rescue efforts attempt to reach them and may their loved ones who wait for them have courage at this painful moment,' she added.
Priyanka Gandhi appealed to workers from the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front and members of the public to provide all possible support while following guidelines. 'At a time like this, we need to ensure that relief and rescue efforts are not hampered and we ensure all possible help without causing any distractions,' she said.
Satheesan convened an emergency meeting with Kerala Agriculture Minister T Siddique and later directed officials to carry out rescue and relief operations on a war footing.
