At least 3 dead, 5 missing after debris slip at Wayanad tunnel project amid heavy rain

A major rescue operation is underway in Kerala's Wayanad district after a massive debris slip triggered by torrential monsoon rains struck the entrance of the under-construction Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road project on Tuesday, leaving at least three people dead and five others missing.

The incident occurred near Meenakshi Bridge at Kalladi, close to Meppadi, where labourers and project staff were staying in temporary accommodation near the construction site.

According to a report in The Hindu, rescue teams have so far pulled at least five people alive from the debris and shifted them to a nearby hospital.

Officials said a total of 18 people were caught in the debris slip. According to the report, ten of them have been admitted to WIMS Hospital in Meppadi with injuries. Those affected include tunnel project workers, security personnel and supervisory staff.

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Rescue operation continues after heavy rain

The debris slip occurred near the entrance of the 8.73-km tunnel road project connecting Kozhikode and Wayanad districts. Construction work had already been suspended after authorities issued a stop memo due to heavy monsoon rainfall in the region.

Rescue teams continued search operations through the day as officials attempted to trace the missing persons.

A CCTV video from the site showed the force of the debris flow sweeping a tanker truck across the road, while three people narrowly escaped being caught in the slide.

The Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road is one of Kerala's largest infrastructure projects and is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Kozhikode and Wayanad by reducing travel time through the hilly terrain.

Questions raised over safety measures

The incident has also raised fresh concerns over safety practices at the construction site.

Kerala Agriculture Minister T Siddique alleged that the debris slip was caused by unscientifically stacked excavated soil. He said the contractor had failed to remove the accumulated earth despite repeated opportunities, allowing the heavy monsoon rains to trigger the collapse.

Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan also said contractors had been instructed in advance by Public Works Department Minister PK Basheer and the District Collector to clear the large quantity of excavated soil from the site, the report said.

According to the Chief Minister, the contractors ignored repeated warnings issued by the authorities and the District Disaster Management Authority, despite concerns over the risks posed by continuous rainfall.

Project subject to environmental safeguards

According to the report, the tunnel project received environmental clearance subject to 24 conditions laid down by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

These conditions included proper demarcation of forest land, compensatory afforestation on an equivalent area of non-forest land, and planting at least 1,000 saplings per hectare within two years to minimise environmental damage.

Rescue operations in the region are underway while investigations are expected to examine whether lapses in debris management and compliance with safety and environmental guidelines contributed to the tragedy.