Three people were killed and eight others injured after a massive landslide hit near a tunnel construction site in Kerala's Wayanad, bringing back memories of the devastating 2024 landslides that claimed more than 300 lives. Authorities said at least seven workers remain missing, with continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days worsening the situation.
While two deaths were confirmed initially, rescuers later recovered a third body. Officials warned that the death toll could increase as several people are believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
The landslide occurred near Meenakshi Bridge, where construction is underway on the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi twin tunnel project. Once completed, the tunnel will connect the districts of Malappuram and Wayanad. The site is located close to Mundakkai, one of the worst-affected areas during the 2024 landslides.
A government official said engineers and security personnel are among those feared trapped. "If work had been in full swing there, the tragedy would have been much worse," the official said. The injured have been admitted to Meppadi WIMS Hospital for treatment.
'MAN-MADE, NOT A NATURAL LANDSLIDE'
According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), Wayanad received nearly 265 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, the highest recorded this season. A red alert has been issued for Wayanad and Kozhikode districts due to the continuing heavy rain.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick slush rushing down the hillside, uprooting trees and carrying large amounts of debris. Another clip captured chaotic scenes as people ran for safety while a powerful wave of mud swept downhill. A fuel tanker was also seen being carried away by the landslide.
Local residents were the first to respond, rescuing several people before fire and rescue teams from Kalpetta reached the site. Multiple teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were later deployed to assist with rescue operations.
Kerala Agriculture Minister T Siddique described the incident as a "man-made" landslide and blamed the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL), which is executing the tunnel project.
"This is not a natural landslide. It is a man-made one. It happened because of the unscientific dumping of excavated soil," Siddique said.
He added that the district collector had previously warned Konkan Railway officials about the possibility of a landslide at the site.
"The authorities were instructed to remove the accumulated debris, but no action was taken," the minister said. "Such negligence cannot be accepted, especially when 298 people lost their lives in the Mundakkai landslide two years ago."
According to a report by News Minute, soil excavated during tunnel construction had been piled up beside the site. Heavy rain and floodwaters reportedly washed the loose earth downhill, triggering the disaster.
Once completed, the Anakkampoyil-Meppadi tunnel will become Kerala's longest road tunnel and the third-longest in India.
Following the incident, Chief Minister VD Satheesan convened an emergency meeting. Agriculture Minister T Siddique and Revenue Minister AP Anil Kumar were sent to Wayanad to oversee and coordinate rescue efforts.
Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said rescue operations were being carried out on a war footing.
"At a time like this, we must ensure that relief and rescue efforts continue without interruption and that every possible form of assistance is provided without unnecessary distractions," she said.
WHY IS WAYANAD VULNERABLE TO LANDSLIDES?
Wayanad's mountainous terrain has long made it one of Kerala's most landslide-prone regions. The district is considered the most vulnerable to landslides in the state and also falls under Seismic Zone III.
The memory of the 2024 disaster remains fresh, when multiple landslides struck Chooralmala, Mundakkai and Punchirimattom, wiping out entire settlements. The state government officially recorded 298 deaths, although many local residents believe the actual toll was significantly higher.
Wayanad has experienced several major landslides over the years, including the Mundakkai landslide in 1984, the Kappikkalam landslide in 1992, which claimed 11 lives, and the Valamthode landslide in June 2007.
