As hope fades and waiting continues, Kerala's kindness comforts Himachal man at landslide site

Meppadi, Kerala: Hope has become Ankush's only companion in Wayanad. Every time rescue workers pull someone from the rubble, he rushes towards the site, clinging to the possibility that it could be his uncle, 59-year-old Vikram Singh. Yet, even as uncertainty hangs over the search, he has remained composed, choosing gratitude over despair.

Intensive search operations continue for Bikram Singh Rana, the lone person still missing after a massive landslide struck the under-construction twin-tunnel road project at Kalladi in Meppadi earlier this week. Rana, a project manager from Himachal Pradesh, has not been traced since the debris engulfed the worksite.

Ankush, who travelled from Himachal Pradesh after learning of the disaster, said the compassion shown by the Kerala government and the people of Meppadi has stayed with him during one of the most difficult moments of his life.

"Within just one day, I understood the goodness of Kerala. I am deeply grateful to the Kerala government and the local people of Meppadi. Though I am from Himachal Pradesh, no one here has treated me as an outsider," he said. 

Holding on to hope amid uncertainty

The family learnt on Tuesday that Vikram Singh had been caught in the landslide. Ankush immediately left for Wayanad, reaching the district on Thursday.

Since then, he has spent his days at the disaster site, moving between rescue officials and ministers in search of updates, never giving up hope that his uncle may still be found alive. Back home, his family waits anxiously. Ankush keeps them informed through video calls, showing them live visuals of the rescue operation as it unfolds.

Each recovery from beneath the debris brings a fresh surge of hope, prompting him to hurry towards the scene, only to return and wait again.

According to Ankush, Vikram Singh had spoken to his family over the phone until the morning the landslide struck. Nothing suggested that disaster was about to unfold.

'No one is showing any negligence'

Despite the emotional strain, Ankush has repeatedly acknowledged the efforts of the rescue teams and the support extended by the Kerala government.

"The rescue work is progressing well. No one is showing any negligence," he said.

He also thanked Kerala Minister T. Siddique for standing by the family throughout the operation.

"He has been available whenever we needed help. A single phone call was enough. He ensured that we received all necessary assistance, including accommodation. Even after I leave this place, I will always remember Kerala with gratitude," Ankush said.

Vikram Singh's brothers, Kulwant and Pramod, are also at the disaster site, waiting alongside Ankush for news as the search continues.

Vikram Singh has been working with Dileep Buildcon, the contractor executing the Kalladi–Anakkampoyil tunnel road project, for the past six years as construction manager.