A major landslide struck the under-construction tunnel project site at Chooralmala in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday, triggering a large-scale rescue operation amid fears that several workers may be trapped beneath the debris. The incident occurred after heavy rainfall lashed the region, causing a section of the hillside to collapse onto the worksite.
According to officials, at least five workers sustained injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue teams fear that more workers could still be trapped under the mud and rocks, although the exact number has not yet been confirmed.
Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, police, district administration and local volunteers were rushed to the site soon after the landslide. Earth-moving equipment has also been deployed to clear debris, but continuous rain and unstable terrain have made rescue operations difficult.
Authorities said the landslide buried parts of the tunnel construction area, damaging machinery and temporarily halting work on the project. Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan expressed concern over the Wayanad tunnel-site landslide and assured that the rescue operations are in progress. Rescue teams are proceeding cautiously to avoid triggering further soil movement while searching for those who may still be trapped.
District officials are closely monitoring the situation and have appealed to people to stay away from the affected area to allow emergency teams to carry out operations without obstruction. Medical teams and ambulances have also been stationed at the site as a precaution.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy rainfall warnings for parts of Kerala, including Wayanad, with authorities urging residents in landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant. Continuous rain over the past few days has increased the risk of landslides and flash floods across the hilly district.
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