Wayanad, July 8:
The landslide in Kerala’s Wayanad district, which claimed at least five lives, has triggered strong reactions from state leaders, with ministers calling it a “man-made disaster.” The incident occurred at the Kalladi tunnel construction site near Meppadi, where large quantities of debris and soil reportedly collapsed following heavy rainfall, trapping workers and causing fatalities.
According to ministers, the tragedy could have been avoided if proper safety measures had been followed. They alleged that excavated soil from the tunnel work was dumped in an unscientific manner without adequate precautions. Despite prior warnings, the debris was not cleared, and the accumulation is believed to have contributed to the landslide during the rains.
Rescue operations are currently underway, with teams from the NDRF, fire services, and local authorities working to locate those still trapped under the rubble. However, challenging terrain and continuous rainfall have slowed down the efforts. Authorities have also taken precautionary steps by evacuating nearby residents and restricting movement in vulnerable areas.