'Contract company failed to follow instructions'; CM Satheesan responds to Wayanad landslide

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister VD Satheesan termed the landslide disaster in Meppadi, Wayanad, as unfortunate. Various forces, including the police and fire force from Meenangadi, are active in rescue operations. CM Satheesan said that forces from Kozhikode will arrive soon, and if necessary, forces from Thrissur will be brought in.

“We had informed the contract company in advance that the soil piled up in connection with the tunnel construction at the incident site should be removed. The District Collector and the Chairman of the Disaster Management Authority had issued an order in this regard on the 20th of last month. The Public Works Department Minister held a meeting and directed that the soil be removed immediately. However, the contractors did not follow the instructions of the Minister and the concerned authorities,' said VD Satheesan.

The Chief Minister said that Revenue Minister A.P. Anilkumar and Minister in charge of Wayanad, T. Siddique, will reach the location and lead the rescue operation.