WAYANAD: A landslide struck Kalladi near Meppady in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday, triggering fears that people may be trapped under the debris, officials said.The landslide occurred near Meenakshi Bridge, where work on the Wayanad–Malappuram tunnel road project was underway. Fire and Rescue Services teams from Kalpetta rushed to the spot, while police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel joined the rescue operation.According to officials, local residents rescued three people from the affected area, where workers associated with the tunnel project were staying. The site also has a few houses and homestays, raising concerns that more people could be trapped.The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said five people were injured after rubble from the tunnel construction site slid down following heavy rain. All the injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital, and no deaths have been reported so far.Several vehicles used to transport tunnel workers were also damaged in the landslide.An NDRF team stationed at Meenangadi has been rushed to the site, while another team from Kozhikode has been directed to assist in the rescue efforts.The rescue operation is being coordinated by Wayanad district authorities and state minister T. Siddique, who is monitoring the situation along with the district collector to determine if anyone remains trapped.The CMO said chief minister VD Satheeshan reviewed the situation with the Wayanad district collector over the phone and later held an emergency meeting. He directed revenue minister A.P. Anil Kumar and minister T. Siddique to proceed to Wayanad immediately to oversee rescue and relief operations.(With PTI inputs)
