Wayanad, 09 July (H.S): The death toll in the devastating landslip at the Kozhikode–Wayanad twin-tunnel project near Kalladi in Meppadi rose to five on Thursday after rescue teams recovered two more bodies from the debris, even as an intensive search continued for three workers who remain missing.
The tragedy occurred around 11.15 a.m. on Tuesday when a massive landslip struck the tunnel portal near Meenakshi Bridge, burying workers and heavy machinery under tonnes of mud and rocks. Three bodies had been recovered earlier, while nine workers were injured in the incident, including two who sustained serious injuries.
Rescue operations, involving teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, Police, district administration and volunteers, resumed early on Thursday after being suspended overnight due to relentless rain and the threat of further landslides. Earthmovers and specialised equipment are being used to remove debris in the difficult terrain.
Heavy rain and unstable ground continue to hamper the operation, forcing rescue personnel to proceed with extreme caution amid fears of fresh soil slips. Officials said every effort is being made to locate the remaining missing workers despite the challenging conditions.
Revenue Minister A. P. Anil Kumar, who is overseeing the rescue mission at the site, said the two bodies recovered on Thursday were badly damaged and had been shifted to the Taluk Hospital in Vythiri for identification.
He said employees of Dileep Buildcon Ltd. and relatives of the missing workers, who have been staying near the accident site since the incident, would be taken to the hospital to help identify the victims.
The minister expressed hope that the remaining missing workers could be traced by Thursday evening if the rain eased and weather conditions remained favourable. Authorities said the search would continue until all those missing were accounted for, while weather conditions are being monitored continuously to ensure the safety of rescue teams.
