Wayanad Tunnel Project Mudslide: Two Dead, Several Missing as Massive Rescue Operation Continues Amid Red Alert

Yugcharan News / 07 July 2026

A major rescue operation is underway in Kerala's Wayanad district after a massive mudslide struck the under-construction Anakkampoyil–Kalladi–Meppadi tunnel road project on Tuesday, claiming at least two lives and leaving several people missing. The incident occurred near Meenakshi Bridge at Kalladi following extremely heavy monsoon rainfall, prompting authorities to issue a Red Alert for Wayanad and neighbouring Kozhikode district.

According to officials, the mudslide took place near the entrance of the ambitious tunnel road project connecting Kozhikode and Wayanad. Rescue personnel from multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, police teams, and district administration, immediately launched search operations after receiving reports of workers trapped beneath the debris.

Two Confirmed Dead, Several Injured

Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan confirmed that two people have lost their lives in the disaster. Several injured workers were rescued from the site and shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Authorities stated that all hospitals in Wayanad have been instructed to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. Most of the labourers involved in the project are reported to be from outside Kerala.

Earlier reports indicated that multiple workers had been rescued alive from the debris. However, rescue officials fear that several others may still be trapped under the massive accumulation of mud and construction material.

Seven People Still Missing

District administration officials said seven people remain unaccounted for. The missing include project supervisors and construction workers associated with the tunnel project.

Rescue teams are cross-checking attendance records, employment registers, and site logs to determine the exact number of people present when the mudslide occurred.

Authorities have also established a temporary relief camp at a nearby government school to accommodate residents evacuated from vulnerable locations around the project site.

Heavy Rain Hampers Rescue Operations

Continuous heavy rainfall has created significant challenges for rescue personnel. Thick layers of mud and unstable ground conditions have made it difficult to deploy heavy earth-moving machinery safely.

Officials stated that repeated rainfall has increased the risk of additional mudslides, forcing rescue teams to proceed cautiously while continuing search efforts.

Despite the difficult weather conditions, rescue workers remain on-site, using both manual and mechanical methods to locate those feared trapped.

IMD Issues Red Alert

Following the incident, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded its weather warning and issued a Red Alert for Wayanad and Kozhikode districts.

According to IMD officials, Wayanad received around 265 mm of rainfall during the previous 24 hours, which falls under the category of extremely heavy rainfall.

Meteorologists explained that strengthening westerly winds combined with an active monsoon system have intensified rainfall across northern Kerala. Orange Alerts have also been issued for Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts, while Yellow Alerts remain in force for several other districts, including Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Idukki.

The weather department has warned residents to remain alert as heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the coming hours.

Chief Minister Reviews Situation

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan convened an emergency meeting soon after the incident and directed senior ministers and district officials to coordinate rescue operations.

Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar and Agriculture Minister T. Siddique were instructed to proceed immediately to Wayanad to supervise relief efforts.

The Chief Minister also remained in contact with the Wayanad District Collector to monitor developments and ensure all necessary emergency resources were made available.

Minister Raises Questions Over Safety Measures

While the initial reports described the incident as a rain-triggered mudslide, Agriculture Minister T. Siddique questioned the circumstances surrounding the disaster.

Addressing reporters, the minister alleged that the incident was not solely caused by natural factors. He claimed that large quantities of excavated soil had allegedly been dumped improperly near the construction site despite earlier safety concerns raised by district authorities.

According to the minister, officials had reportedly warned project authorities about the possibility of slope failure during heavy rainfall.

He added that a detailed investigation would determine whether any lapses in construction safety or site management contributed to the disaster.

Tunnel Work Had Already Been Suspended

Officials from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) stated that active tunnel construction work had already been suspended after heavy rainfall warnings were issued.

However, some workers and supervisory staff were reportedly present near temporary accommodation and project facilities when the mudslide occurred.

Authorities said the debris struck the area suddenly, leaving little time for those present to escape.

NDRF Teams Deployed

Multiple NDRF teams have been deployed at the accident site along with local emergency response units.

Rescue teams are using excavators, search equipment, and manual digging techniques while continuously assessing the stability of the surrounding slopes.

Officials said operations would continue throughout the day and night until all missing persons are accounted for.

Political Leaders Appeal for Cooperation

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi appealed to party workers and local residents to extend all possible assistance to rescue agencies while strictly following instructions issued by district authorities.

Local administration has also urged people to avoid travelling to the affected area unless absolutely necessary, as heavy rainfall and unstable terrain continue to pose risks.

Authorities Continue Monitoring Situation

The Wayanad tunnel road project is considered one of Kerala's major infrastructure initiatives, aimed at improving connectivity between Kozhikode and Wayanad. Tuesday's disaster has once again highlighted the challenges of executing large-scale construction projects during the monsoon season in ecologically sensitive hill regions.

Officials have assured that rescue operations remain the government's highest priority. Once immediate rescue work concludes, authorities are expected to conduct a comprehensive technical investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mudslide, including the impact of extreme weather and compliance with safety protocols at the construction site.

With rainfall continuing across northern Kerala and weather agencies maintaining high-level alerts, disaster management teams remain on standby to respond to any further emergencies in the region.