Wayanad Landslide: Couple Recounts Narrow Escape as Mudslide Hits Kalladi Village
A couple in Wayanad district, Kerala, narrowly escaped a massive landslide that struck Kalladi village near Meppadi on Tuesday. Palraj M (47) and his wife Koodammal (37), both plantation workers, were waiting near a bridge to catch a bus when they noticed the hill sliding.
Speaking to reporters, Palraj said, 'Initially a small portion of the hill started slipping down. Someone from the other side of the bridge raised an alarm. Holding my wife's hand, I rushed to cross the bridge to the other side. But as soon as we set foot on the bridge, we saw a massive wave of mud chasing us.'
The couple managed to reach safety, but a tanker truck carried by the debris narrowly missed them. 'We fell into the debris and saw the heavy vehicle flowing towards us. My wife narrowly escaped coming under the back wheels of the truck,' Palraj added.
The landslide occurred at the site of an under-construction twin tunnel project. Rescue personnel have been deployed to search for any missing persons and clear the debris. Officials said no fatalities have been reported so far, but the area remains unstable.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of the hilly terrain in Wayanad during the monsoon season. Authorities have cautioned residents in nearby areas to remain alert.
