07 July,2026 08:18 PM IST | Wayanad | mid-day online correspondent
Bus stuck in debris after a landslide at Kalladi, near Meppadi tunnel project in Wayanad (Pic/PTI)
Three people were killed after a landslide struck the Kalladi tunnel construction site on Tuesday in Meppadi grama panchayat of Keralam's Wayanad district, officials said.
While briefing about the devastating landslide in Keralam, the officials further added that efforts are underway to trace seven other persons who have gone missing after the incident.
According to the district administration, 18 people were caught in the landslide near the Meenakshi Bridge at the Kalladi-Anakkampoyil tunnel construction site, completely disrupting traffic on the Meppadi-Chooralmala road.
As per ANI, nine of them sustained injuries and were quickly shifted to Meppadi WIMS Hospital for treatment. Officials further asserted that search operations are underway to trace the remaining seven missing persons.
Those affected include workers engaged at the project site, security personnel, and supervisory staff.
Search and rescue operations are being carried out by multiple agencies, with Keralam Police deploying sniffer dogs to assist in locating those trapped under the debris.
A review meeting following the devastating landslide in Wayanad chaired by MLA I C Balakrishnan was held at Kalladi to coordinate rescue efforts.
MLA C K Asha, District Panchayat President Chandrika Krishnan, District Collector D R Meghashree, District Police Chief Deva Manohar, ADM K Ajish, Sub-Collector Athul Sagar, local elected representatives, and other officials also attended the meeting, as per ANI.
Temporary shelters have been arranged at the Mundakkai Forest Station and the Chooralmala Church Hall for residents stranded on either side of the bridge. Authorities have also taken steps to ensure the safety of schoolchildren and evacuate residents from vulnerable areas, including Erattukundu, Attamala, Mammikkunnu, and Ambedkar Colony.
Officials, while briefing about the situation, said that construction work at the tunnel site had already been suspended due to heavy rainfall following earlier directions from the district administration. The Public Works Department has been directed to inspect the structural safety of the Meenakshi Bridge after the debris is cleared.
Speaking to the media, a survivor of the landslide, Ashik, recounted the incident and said the landslide struck suddenly.
He said, "The entire mound of soil that had been piled up there suddenly collapsed and came crashing down. The incident happened at around 11 a.m.," as cited by ANI.
An eyewitness, Ajmal, said the incident unfolded within moments after people heard a loud sound and rushed out of nearby shops.
Ajmal said, "We first heard a small sound, and everyone immediately ran out of the shop. At first, we saw a small portion of the soil sliding down. When we heard the sound and came outside, the small landslide suddenly turned into a massive collapse. We warned everyone nearby to move away. People were waiting at the bus stop, and laborers were working in the area," as per ANI.
Ajmal said that a tanker lorry was swept away by the landslide as people tried to flee.
He further added. "As we were asking them to run, a tanker lorry on the other side of the bridge was swept away by the landslide and carried towards us. I think around 10-15 people were buried. So far, four people have been rescued. We still don't know whether the people on the bridge fell into the river or are trapped under the debris."
Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi said the situation following the Wayanad landslide was under the control of the Keralam government and assured that the Centre would provide additional personnel and technical assistance if requested.
Gopi, while talking to the media, said, "I think now it is perfectly under the control of the state government. If they need more forces or expertise, then they will definitely ask for it. It is not service or help; it is our responsibility," as per ANI.
(With inputs from ANI)
