Kerala Wayanad Kalladi landslide rescue operation continues as authorities search for five missing people and assess the disaster-hit area
Rescue teams continued intensive operations at the Kalladi landslide site in Kerala's Wayanad district after three people were confirmed dead and five remained missing. Authorities have restricted public entry to the affected area while a detailed inspection and search operation is underway.
Kalpetta: Rescue efforts continued on a war footing in Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday after a devastating landslide at Kalladi claimed three lives and left five people missing. Authorities have prohibited entry to the disaster site as officials prepare for a comprehensive inspection to assess the extent of the damage and accelerate rescue operations.
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Kerala ministers confirmed that the search for the missing persons remains the top priority, while emergency teams continue clearing debris using heavy machinery. Officials said a detailed inspection of the landslide-hit area will be conducted during the day to determine the stability of the terrain and identify further rescue requirements.
"Three people have lost their lives in the landslide, while five others are still missing. Rescue operations are continuing without interruption," officials said.
Wayanad Kalladi Landslide Claims Three Lives
Minister T. Siddique confirmed that three people died in the landslide. The deceased have been identified as:
- Chandrabhan, a native of Madhya Pradesh
- Anmol, a native of Jharkhand
- Vikas Kumar, a native of Bihar
The postmortem examinations of all three victims have been completed. State authorities said arrangements will be made to transport the bodies to their respective hometowns after all legal formalities are completed.
Also Read: Wayanad Landslide Kills Five as Rescue Teams Race to Find Survivors
The five people still reported missing are:
- Vikram
- Azharuddin Ansari
- Rakesh
- Rahul
- Mohammed Imran
Search teams are continuing efforts to trace them amid challenging conditions.
Full Inspection Ordered at Wayanad Landslide Site
Public access to the Kalladi landslide site has been banned to ensure the safety of rescue personnel and to facilitate uninterrupted search operations.
Minister A.P. Anilkumar described the tragedy as deeply distressing and said the government had taken precautionary measures ahead of the heavy rainfall. He added that work to restore road connectivity in the affected area would begin as soon as conditions become safe.
Authorities are also assessing the possibility of further soil movement before allowing any public access.
Nine Injured Continue Treatment
Nine people injured in the landslide are receiving treatment at VIMS Hospital. Two patients remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with one reported to be in critical condition.
The injured include:
- Hira Kumar (32)
- Koopamal (Jaya) (37)
- Suraj Yadav (25)
- Kunju (39)
- Dilip (19)
- Tanmay Ghosh (28)
- Rajneesh (27)
- Sanjay Thakur (35)
- Santosh Kumar
Two people who sustained minor injuries have already been discharged after receiving treatment. A review meeting on the medical response was held at VIMS Hospital under the leadership of ministers and DIG K. Karthik to monitor the condition of the injured and coordinate relief efforts.
Rescue Teams Intensify Wayanad Search Operation
The landslide occurred near Meenakshi Bridge in Kalladi on Monday morning, burying houses, a church, and a bus stop under massive quantities of mud and debris.
Rescue operations are being carried out by two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising around 70 rescue personnel. Heavy earthmoving equipment, including Hitachi excavators and JCB machines, is being used to remove debris.
Authorities have also deployed spot-location cameras and two sniffer dogs to assist in locating the missing persons. Rescue work continued late into the night as teams searched through the affected area.
A control room has been established at the Meppadi Community Health Centre to coordinate rescue operations and provide information to families.
Emergency teams are using advanced equipment and trained sniffer dogs as the search for the missing continues.
Families Shifted to Relief Camps
As a precautionary measure, 21 families from the Meenakshi Estate area have been evacuated and shifted to the Government Lower Primary School at Chulikka. Officials said the relief camp will later be relocated to Kanjirode Polytechnic College to provide improved facilities for the displaced families.
The state government has also initiated measures to restore essential services and road connectivity once rescue operations are completed.
Police Register Case Into Landslide Incident
Police have registered a case in connection with the landslide. The Kerala government has described the incident as a possible man-made disaster, alleging that soil was not removed despite requests from the district administration.
Officials indicated that the circumstances leading to the landslide will be thoroughly investigated after rescue operations conclude.
Chief Minister to Visit Wayanad
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is scheduled to visit the landslide site on Tuesday. According to officials, he will depart from Thiruvananthapuram by helicopter around 11:30 a.m. and is expected to reach the affected area at approximately 1 p.m. to review rescue operations and meet officials overseeing relief efforts.
Opposition Extends Support to Rescue Efforts
Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan expressed support for the government's rescue operations and the Disaster Management Department.
"The tragedy is deeply shocking. I stand with the families who have lost their loved ones and support all efforts to rescue those still missing," he said.
Authorities have assured that rescue operations will continue until every missing person is accounted for and relief measures are completed.
