Wayanad Tunnel Disaster: Seventh Body Recovered, Search Enters Final Phase
One more body was recovered from the Kalladi debris slip site in Wayanad on Friday, July 10, 2026, raising the death toll in the disaster to seven, officials confirmed.
The deceased was identified as Ragesh Kunchayath, a surveyor from East Midnapore in West Bengal. Agriculture Minister T. Siddique, who is overseeing the relief efforts, stated that the body was found downstream of the Meenakshi river. The family identified the remains, which were then taken to Vythiri Taluk Hospital for post-mortem examination. Following the procedure, the body will be transferred to Kozhikode Government Medical College for embalming and eventual repatriation to his hometown.
The debris slip occurred near the entrance of the under-construction Wayanad tunnel road project on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Authorities indicated that search and rescue operations have entered their final phase, with only one person still missing: project manager Vikram Rana.
Minister Siddique expressed condolences to the families and assured that all necessary assistance is being provided. The cause of the debris slip is under investigation.
