Five deaths, seven missing;  NDRF joins rescue efforts in Wayanad, search continues

KALPETTA: Rescue operations are continuing in the landslide-hit area at Kalladi in Wayanad, where a massive landslide struck near the tunnel road construction site. So far, five deaths have been confirmed in the tragedy. Rescue teams have saved nine people, while seven others remain missing. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and sniffer dogs have joined the search operation as authorities suspect that the missing people may still be trapped under the debris.

During the rescue operation, a Sub-Inspector attached to the Meppadi Police Station was also injured. He was shifted to a hospital for treatment. Wayanad has been witnessing heavy rainfall since Monday. A Red Alert remains in force in Wayanad and Kozhikode districts, and educational institutions in both districts have been closed as a precaution.

The landslide occurred near Meenakshi Bridge, where construction of the tunnel road project is underway. Construction work had been suspended on Monday due to heavy rain. Those present at the site at the time of the incident were trapped under the mud. Several vehicles were also buried in the landslide.

Ministers T. Siddique and A.P. Anil Kumar visited the accident site. Speaking to the media, Minister T. Siddique alleged that the disaster was caused by the unscientific dumping of excavated soil as part of the tunnel construction project.

Chief Minister blames contractors

The Chief Minister said officials had already warned the contractors to remove the large quantity of soil that had been piled up at the construction site.

"The District Collector and the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority had issued an order on the 20th of last month directing that the accumulated soil be removed. The Public Works Minister had also convened a meeting and instructed that the soil be cleared immediately. However, the contractors failed to comply with the directions issued by the minister and the concerned authorities," he said.

Company rejects allegations

Meanwhile, the construction company has denied the Chief Minister's allegations. Company officials said no such warning was issued and rejected claims that soil had been dumped in an unsafe manner. They maintained that the allegations against the company are false.