Kerala has stepped up rescue and relief operations after a rain-triggered landslide at a tunnel construction site in Wayanad injured five people. With the India Meteorological Department issuing red alerts for parts of the state, authorities have deployed emergency teams and warned residents to remain vigilant…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheeshan on Tuesday chaired an emergency meeting following a landslide in Wayanad and ordered immediate rescue and relief measures as heavy rainfall continued to batter several parts of the state.
The landslide occurred at the Wayanad-Kalladi tunnel construction site, where debris reportedly slid down following intense rainfall. According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), five people were injured in the incident. All those injured were admitted to a nearby hospital, and no fatalities have been reported so far.
Following the incident, the Chief Minister directed Wayanad Minister T Siddique to coordinate rescue and relief operations in the district. He also instructed Revenue Minister AP Anil Kumar and Agriculture Minister T Siddique to travel immediately to Wayanad to oversee the situation on the ground and monitor the response.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) unit stationed at Meenangadi was instructed to reach the accident site without delay. In addition, another NDRF team based in Kozhikode was directed to move to Wayanad to strengthen rescue efforts if required.
Chief Minister Satheeshan also spoke to the Wayanad District Collector over the phone to review the developing situation and assess the response being carried out by local authorities.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Wayanad and Kozhikode, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in both districts. The weather agency has forecast continued adverse weather conditions across Kerala, with northern districts expected to receive the heaviest rainfall.
According to the IMD, Kannur and Kasaragod are also likely to experience isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall, while Malappuram is expected to receive similar weather conditions during the day. Meanwhile, isolated heavy rainfall has been forecast for Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad.
The weather office said rainfall is very likely across all districts of Kerala over the next five days. However, it added that the intensity of the rainfall is expected to gradually reduce from July 10, with most districts forecast to receive light to moderate rainfall through July 11.
The IMD’s forecast also indicates that districts in central Kerala, including Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam, could experience isolated heavy rainfall on July 8 before conditions begin to improve later in the week.
Authorities have urged residents in districts under weather alerts to remain cautious as heavy rain may result in waterlogging, poor visibility and localised disruptions to transport and daily life.
The latest incident comes as Kerala continues to face the seasonal challenges associated with the southwest monsoon, with heavy rainfall often triggering landslides, flooding and disruption in hilly and low-lying areas. Emergency agencies remain on standby as rainfall continues across the state.
Officials have not reported any casualties from the Wayanad landslide, and rescue operations remain focused on ensuring the safety of workers and residents in the affected area. State authorities said they would continue to closely monitor weather conditions and coordinate with disaster response agencies as the heavy rain persists.
The administration has appealed to the public to follow official advisories, avoid unnecessary travel in areas experiencing severe weather, and remain alert until the warning period ends.
