A devastating landslide struck the Anakkampoyil–Kalladi–Meppadi twin-tunnel road construction site in Wayanad, Kerala, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, resulting in at least two fatalities and leaving seven others missing. The incident occurred near the Meenakshi Bridge at Kalladi, where heavy monsoon rains triggered a massive mudslide.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue teams, including 60 NDRF personnel from Wayanad and Kozhikode, were deployed to the site to search for the missing individuals. The operation was challenging due to the thick mud and heavy rainfall, which impeded the deployment of heavy earth-moving equipment. The Kerala government directed Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar and Agriculture Minister T. Siddique to coordinate the rescue efforts.
Cause of the Landslide
The State Minister for Agriculture, T. Siddique, described the incident as a "man-made landslide" caused by the unscientific dumping of excavated earth and mud by Konkan construction officials. The KSDMA clarified that the actual tunnel construction had been suspended since Monday due to extreme weather, but the affected labourers were moving around the site when the massive mound of discarded soil came crashing down.
The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Wayanad and Kozhikode, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, while an orange alert was issued for Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod. A yellow alert was also issued for Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Idukki districts, warning of isolated heavy rains in the next 24 hours.
- At least 2 people confirmed dead
- 7 people reported missing
- 265 mm of rain lashed Wayanad in 24 hours, classified as extremely heavy rainfall by IMD
The rescue operations are expected to continue, with the government and rescue teams working together to locate the missing individuals and provide aid to those affected. The situation remains critical, and further updates are awaited.
