Wayanad landslide death toll rises to 7; rescue teams continue search for 1 missing
The death toll in the landslide at a tunnel road construction site in Kerala's Wayanad district has risen to seven, with rescue teams continuing an intensive search operation for one worker who remains missing.
The landslide struck earlier this week near the Kalladi area during ongoing construction work on the Anakkampoyil–Kalladi–Meppadi twin-tunnel road project. Continuous rainfall and unstable terrain have hampered rescue efforts, with personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, police and other agencies deployed at the site.
Officials said the latest recovery has taken the death toll to seven, while search operations are focused on locating the lone missing worker. Heavy machinery, sniffer dogs and specialised rescue equipment are being used to clear debris and search the affected area.
The victims are reported to be workers associated with the tunnel construction project. The incident has once again highlighted concerns over landslide risks in Wayanad during the monsoon season, particularly around infrastructure projects in hilly regions.
Authorities have stated that rescue operations will continue until the missing worker is traced. Meanwhile, the state government has initiated an inquiry into the incident to determine the circumstances leading to the landslide.
