Rain became a disaster in Wayanad: Massive landslide caused devastation, 1 dead, 7 missing; CM called emergency meeting

Wayanad. A massive landslide caused huge devastation on Tuesday amid continuous torrential rains in Kerala’s Wayanad district. One person died while seven people are reported missing in the accident that took place near the construction site of the Anakkampoyil-Kallady Tunnel Road Project. After the incident, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan immediately called an emergency meeting to review the relief and rescue operations and instructed the officials to conduct operations on a war footing. Meanwhile, a horrifying video of the landslide has also surfaced, in which a huge chunk of soil and debris is seen collapsing rapidly.

Chief Minister gave instructions for immediate action-
Agriculture Minister T. Siddiqui, who is from Wayanad, was also present in the emergency meeting chaired by the Chief Minister. After the meeting, the Chief Minister met Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar and Agriculture Minister T. Siddiqui were instructed to immediately reach the spot and monitor the relief and rescue operations.

Huge pile of soil collapsed after heavy rains-
The landslide occurred in the Kaladi area near the Meenakshi bridge, which is close to the tunnel construction site. A huge pile of soil taken out during the construction work caved in due to incessant rains and many parts of the site were buried under debris. Due to heavy rains in the last 24 hours the soil had completely weakened.

Fear of tourists and workers getting trapped-
According to the administration, so far three people have been evacuated safely, but it is feared that many workers and tourists may still be trapped under the debris. This area is very popular among tourists. Several private vehicles and a bus carrying construction workers were also present at the spot, which is feared to be buried under the debris.

Relief-rescue operation continues, NDRF deployed-
Fire department, police and other emergency agencies immediately started relief and rescue operations. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has also reached the spot and is searching for people trapped under the debris.

IMD’s red alert, warning of heavy rain in many districts-
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Wayanad and neighboring Kozhikode district. Orange alert has been declared in Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

According to the weather department, 226 mm rainfall was recorded in Meppadi area, 64 mm in Mananthavady and 123 mm in Vythiri in the last 24 hours.

Red Alert: Extremely heavy rainfall over 204 mm in 24 hours.
Orange Alert: Very heavy rainfall ranging from 115 to 204 mm.
Yellow Alert: Heavy rainfall between 64 to 115 mm.

One dead, seven missing-
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan confirmed that one person had died in the landslide. Seven people are hospitalized, while seven others are still reported missing. As a precautionary measure, the administration has started evacuating people from surrounding areas to safe places.

The administration has appealed to the people to avoid traveling to hilly areas in view of bad weather and follow the safety instructions issued by the local administration.