The death toll from the devastating landslide at a tunnel road construction site in Kerala's Wayanad district has increased to seven after rescue teams recovered another body on Friday. Authorities are continuing an intensive search operation for one worker who remains missing beneath the debris.
The landslide struck the tunnel project site near Kalladi in Wayanad earlier this week following heavy monsoon rainfall. The sudden collapse of mud, rocks and debris trapped several workers employed at the construction site. Emergency responders, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, police, and local volunteers, have been working around the clock despite difficult weather conditions and unstable terrain.
Officials said the seventh body was recovered from an area close to a nearby river after an extensive search using earth-moving equipment, sniffer dogs and specialised rescue teams. The operation has now entered another crucial phase as rescuers focus on locating the last missing worker. Authorities believe the individual may still be trapped beneath large mounds of mud and rocks, making the rescue effort extremely challenging.
Several workers who survived the incident had earlier been rescued with injuries and shifted to nearby hospitals, where they continue to receive treatment. Rescue teams have been carefully removing debris while monitoring the possibility of fresh landslides, as intermittent rainfall continues to affect the region. Safety remains a major concern for the personnel involved in the operation.
The tragedy has once again raised questions over safety measures at infrastructure projects located in landslide-prone areas during the monsoon season. Kerala ministers and district officials have been monitoring the rescue mission closely, while an investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the landslide and examine whether any lapses contributed to the disaster.
Wayanad, a hilly district in northern Kerala, has witnessed several landslides in recent years due to intense rainfall during the southwest monsoon. Experts have repeatedly warned that prolonged heavy rain increases the risk of soil erosion and slope failure, particularly in regions undergoing large-scale construction activities.
Rescue teams have vowed to continue operations until the final missing worker is found. Authorities have assured that every available resource will remain deployed as hopes persist of bringing closure to the families affected by the tragedy.
