On Tuesday, July 7, a devastating landslide occurred at Kalladi, near the Meppadi tunnel project in Wayanad, Kerala, resulting in the deaths of at least two people and trapping several others under the debris. The disaster struck near the Meenakshi Bridge, where a tunnel road project connecting Kozhikode and Wayanad districts has been underway since last year. Rescue operations are currently being conducted by teams from the National Disaster Response Force, Fire and Rescue Services, police, Forest Department personnel, and local residents. The landslide happened in an area with a few houses and homestays, where workers associated with the tunnel project were staying. Locals managed to rescue three persons from the site. A chilling video of the landslide has emerged, showing a massive mud mound sliding onto the road and bridge, with people attempting to outrun the disaster. The video clip, shot from beyond the bridge, captures the terrifying moment when the mudslide spills onto the road, dragging a tanker lorry and rushing over the bridge. Meanwhile, the district administration has begun evacuating families and searching for seven missing persons, with the injured being admitted to nearby hospitals. The Kalladi-Meppady road has been blocked due to the landslide, and families residing in a nearby colony have been shifted to Meppady, where temporary arrangements have been made for their stay. Engineers associated with the tunnel project have stated that no tunnelling work has been carried out since June 12, with only reinforcement and safety-related works in progress.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Siasat Gulf