Wayanad, July 7: A massive debris slip triggered by torrential monsoon rains struck the under-construction Anakkampoyil–Kalladi–Meppadi tunnel road project near Kalladi in Meppadi, Wayanad, on Tuesday, leaving one person officially confirmed dead while several others are feared trapped.
According to officials, up to eight people are feared to have lost their lives, though only one fatality has been officially confirmed so far. Rescue teams are continuing search operations at the site to locate those missing beneath the debris.
The incident occurred near Meenakshi Bridge, close to the entrance of the tunnel road project that connects Kozhikode and Wayanad. At least five workers were rescued alive from the debris and shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Kerala Chief Minister Satheesan said seven people had been hospitalised following the incident.
The debris slip occurred near the temporary accommodation used by workers employed at the tunnel construction site. Authorities had already suspended construction activities after issuing a stop memo due to continuous heavy monsoon rainfall.
Emergency response teams, including disaster management personnel and local authorities, remain at the site as rescue operations continue. Officials are closely monitoring the situation amid forecasts of further heavy rainfall in the region, with residents in vulnerable areas advised to remain alert.
