At least two people died after a mudslide struck a tunnel construction site in Kerala's Wayanad district on Thursday, authorities confirmed. The India Meteorological Department simultaneously issued a red alert for heavy rainfall across the region, raising fears of further slides in an area still recovering from last year's devastating landslides.
Incident at the Tunnel Site
The mudslide hit during construction work near Meenakshi Bridge in the Kalladi area of Wayanad, local officials said. Rescue teams rushed to the scene as reports emerged of workers being trapped under debris. Two bodies were recovered from the site, while search operations continued for any additional victims.
Videos circulating on local media showed thick layers of mud covering access roads to the project area, complicating initial rescue efforts. The State Disaster Response Force deployed multiple units to assist with the search and extraction operations.
Rescue Operations Under Way
Emergency services faced difficult conditions as rainfall continued throughout the afternoon. Officials from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority coordinated with local police and fire services to clear debris and reach anyone still missing. The priority was establishing whether more workers remained trapped beneath the accumulated soil and rock.
Satheesan, a senior district official, told reporters that rescue teams were working to stabilise the site before more personnel could enter safely. Heavy equipment arrived at the location several hours after the initial slide, he confirmed.
Weather Alert Intensifies
The IMD's red alert for Wayanad signifies extremely heavy rainfall expected over the next 24 to 48 hours. Meteorologists warned of rainfall exceeding 20 centimetres in a single day, conditions that make secondary slides highly likely. The alert covers the entire district and neighbouring areas known for their vulnerability to landslides.
Authorities urged residents in hilly areas to move to safer locations preemptively. Schools in low-lying regions remained open but were placed on standby for potential closure. The timing of the alert compounded fears among officials already managing the tunnel site emergency.
Wayanad's History of Landslides
Wayanad district has experienced multiple landslide events in recent years, particularly during the monsoon season. The geography of the region, characterised by steep slopes and extensive deforestation for agriculture and infrastructure projects, creates persistent risks during periods of intense rainfall.
Last year's catastrophic landslides in the same district killed more than 400 people and destroyed entire communities. The disaster exposed gaps in early warning systems and evacuation protocols that authorities have since sought to address. Thursday's red alert represents the IMD's most severe warning category, reflecting the seriousness with which officials view the current weather pattern.
Infrastructure Projects Under Scrutiny
The tunnel project at Meenakshi Bridge is part of broader infrastructure development in Wayanad aimed at improving connectivity between districts. Construction in landslide-prone zones has drawn criticism from environmental groups who argue that such projects exacerbate risks to both workers and local populations.
Government officials have defended the projects as essential for regional development but acknowledged the need for enhanced safety protocols during the monsoon season. Thursday's incident is likely to renew debates about construction practices in ecologically sensitive areas.
What Happens Next
Rescue operations at the tunnel site will continue through the night as weather conditions permit. The IMD red alert remains in effect until at least Friday morning, meaning search teams face the prospect of working under continued heavy rainfall. District authorities will assess whether evacuation orders need to be expanded to additional communities as new rainfall data arrives.
The state government has called an emergency meeting for Friday to review both the rescue progress and the broader response to the weather conditions. Officials are expected to discuss whether current construction activity across Wayanad should be suspended until the monsoon season passes.
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The timing of the alert compounded fears among officials already managing the tunnel site emergency.Wayanad's History of LandslidesWayanad district has experienced multiple landslide events in recent years, particularly during the monsoon season. Thursday's red alert represents the IMD's most severe warning category, reflecting the seriousness with which officials view the current weather pattern.Infrastructure Projects Under ScrutinyThe tunnel project at Meenakshi Bridge is part of broader infrastructure development in Wayanad aimed at improving connectivity between districts.
