Kalpetta: Two people were killed in a landslide near Meenakshi Bridge in the Wayanad tunnel road construction area, while more people are suspected to be trapped beneath the debris. Rescue operations are continuing at the site.
Five people have been rescued and shifted to the hospital. The accident is reported to have involved workers engaged in the tunnel road construction, although officials said only a detailed examination would establish the facts.
Authorities have directed residents living downstream along the river in the Kalladi-Thanjirode area to evacuate immediately. The landslide occurred after the hill above the bridge gave way, sending large volumes of soil downhill. The soil is flowing through the Kalladi River towards Thanjirode, prompting efforts to relocate families in the area. Hundreds of families live in the downstream region.
Construction work on the tunnel project has been ordered to stop. Road traffic in the area has come to a complete standstill. Several houses have been completely destroyed, and the concrete retaining wall along the road has collapsed.
Chief Minister VD Satheesan held an emergency meeting with Minister T. Siddique from Wayanad and directed that rescue operations be coordinated. The Chief Minister also instructed Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar and Agriculture Minister T. Siddique to proceed to Wayanad.
Local residents and rescue personnel are at the scene carrying out rescue operations. A team of the National Disaster Response Force has left for the site.