The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday after extremely heavy rainfall and a deadly landslide at the Kalladi tunnel project site. The weather department issued the alert at 12:30 pm, shortly after the landslide struck around 11 am near Meenakshi Bridge in Kalladi.
IMD Issues Red Alert for Wayanad and Kozhikode
The IMD also issued a red alert for neighbouring Kozhikode district as heavy rain continued across northern Kerala. Orange alerts remain in effect for Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. According to the IMD, Mananthavady recorded 64 mm of rainfall during the day, while Vythiri received 123 mm.
A red alert warns of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204 mm within 24 hours. An orange alert indicates rainfall between 115 mm and 204 mm, while a yellow alert is issued when rainfall is expected to range between 64 mm and 115 mm.
Wayanad Landslide Leaves One Dead, Seven Missing
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan confirmed that one person died in the landslide. He also said seven people have been admitted to hospitals with injuries, while another seven remain missing. Authorities have started evacuating people living in nearby areas as a precaution.
Engineers and Security Staff Feared Trapped
A senior government official said no construction workers were present at the site when the landslide occurred. According to the official, those feared trapped under the debris are engineers and security personnel. "If work was going on there, it would have been a bigger tragedy," the official said.
Tunnel Project Site Suffers Major Damage
The landslide struck near Meenakshi Bridge at Kalladi, where a tunnel road project connecting Malappuram and Wayanad districts is under construction. The force of the landslide swept away a private bus reportedly used to transport tunnel project staff.
The vehicle was pushed into a nearby river, where it remained partially submerged as water continued flowing around it. Rescue teams are continuing search operations as heavy rainfall poses further challenges in the affected area.