Several people are feared trapped after a landslide struck Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday, triggering a large-scale rescue operation involving the Fire and Rescue Services, police, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
According to Fire and Rescue Services officials, the landslide occurred at Kalladi near Meppady in Wayanad district. The incident took place near Meenakshi Bridge, where construction work was underway for a tunnel road project aimed at improving connectivity between Malappuram and Wayanad districts.
Officials associated with the rescue operation said the landslide hit an area where workers engaged in the tunnel construction project were staying. Initial reports suggest that several people may still be trapped beneath the debris.
Local residents rushed to the spot immediately after the landslide and managed to rescue at least three people before emergency teams arrived. Rescue personnel are continuing search operations amid difficult terrain and unstable conditions.
According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), at least five people have sustained injuries in the incident. As of now, no deaths have been reported.
Authorities cautioned that the rescue operation is still underway and the exact number of people trapped is yet to be confirmed.
The landslide also caused damage to several vehicles used for transporting employees working on the tunnel project. Images from the site showed debris covering parts of the road and vehicles buried under mud and rocks.
Rescue teams are using heavy machinery along with manual search efforts to clear the debris and locate those feared trapped.
Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with police and Fire and Rescue Services teams, have been deployed to the affected area. Officials are working to remove debris carefully while ensuring the safety of both rescuers and survivors.
The rescue operation is expected to continue until all those feared trapped are accounted for.
Following the incident, Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheeshan convened an emergency meeting with Wayanad Minister T. Siddique to review the situation and oversee the ongoing rescue efforts.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar has also been directed to immediately proceed to Wayanad along with Minister Siddique to coordinate relief and rescue operations on the ground.
The state government has instructed all concerned departments to provide necessary assistance and ensure swift rescue efforts.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as rescue teams search through the debris. The region has witnessed heavy rainfall in recent days, raising concerns over the possibility of further landslides in vulnerable areas.
Officials have urged residents to stay away from the affected site and follow advisories issued by the local administration.
The situation remains fluid, and more details are expected as rescue operations progress.
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