A massive landslide at an under-construction tunnel project in Kerala's Wayanad district has claimed four lives, left nine injured, and six people missing, triggering a police investigation as the state government alleged the tragedy was a "man-made" disaster linked to non-compliance with safety directives.
The landslide struck Kalladi near Meppady on Monday, burying parts of the AnakkampoyilโKalladiโMeppady road tunnel project and trapping several workers engaged at the construction site. Rescue teams continued operations through the night despite challenging weather conditions, while authorities warned that the death toll could rise as search efforts continue.
According to the Kerala Information and Public Relations Department (PRD), nine injured workers were admitted to nearby hospitals, while six people remain unaccounted for. Authorities have also shifted 142 residents from 42 families living near the affected area to a relief camp established at Meppadi Polytechnic as a precautionary measure.
Police Launch Investigation
Police have registered a case of unnatural death and initiated an investigation into the incident. The First Information Report (FIR) states that the landslide occurred between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. near Meenakshi Bridge, where tunnel construction work was underway.
Investigators are expected to examine whether construction activities, slope management, and adherence to safety guidelines played any role in the disaster.
Kerala Government Raises Safety Concerns
The Kerala government has described the incident as a "man-made" disaster, alleging that earlier directions to remove accumulated soil near the construction site were not followed. State ministers indicated that concerns regarding the project's safety had previously been communicated to the executing agency due to the area's ecologically sensitive terrain.
Officials have suggested that the investigation will examine whether lapses in implementing safety measures contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
Contractor Attributes Incident to Extreme Rainfall
Project contractor Dilip Buildcon has rejected allegations of negligence, maintaining that the landslide was triggered by exceptionally heavy rainfall.
In its statement, the company said the project was being executed in compliance with all prescribed regulatory and environmental requirements, including oversight by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee. It cited data indicating that Wayanad received around 265 mm of rainfall within 24 hours, among the highest recorded in the district during the current monsoon season.
The company also stated that it is fully cooperating with authorities and supporting ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Migrant Workers Among Victims
Officials identified three of the deceased as migrant workers employed at the tunnel project. The victims include Chandraban from Madhya Pradesh, Bikash Kumar from Bihar, and Anmol from Jharkhand. Post-mortem examinations were conducted at Vythiri Taluk Hospital.
Red Alert Issued
The India Meteorological Department has issued a Red Alert for Wayanad and neighbouring Kozhikode district, warning of continued extremely heavy rainfall that could increase the risk of further landslides and flooding.
Emergency response teams, including health personnel, police, disaster management authorities, and local administration, remain deployed at the site. Ambulances and medical teams have also been stationed nearby to support ongoing rescue operations.
The latest incident comes less than two years after Wayanad witnessed one of Kerala's deadliest landslide disasters, once again highlighting the growing vulnerability of infrastructure projects and settlements in ecologically fragile regions during the monsoon season.
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