Caught on camera: Landslide rocks Meppadi in Wayanad, six workers hospitalised

Wayanad: A dramatic landslide caught on camera at Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad district has left six people injured and triggered a major rescue operation amid heavy monsoon rain. The Wayanad landslide occurred at the Kalladi tunnel construction site near Meenakshi Bridge, where mud and debris swept down a hillside, blocking roads and causing panic among workers and local residents.

The Meppadi landslide, which comes as Wayanad continues to receive intense rainfall, initially raised fears that workers could be trapped under the debris. Rescue teams rushed to the site and authorities later confirmed that six injured persons were shifted to hospital for treatment. No deaths have been reported so far.

Those admitted to the hospital have been identified as Hira Suresh, Dileep, Suraj, Sanjay, Rajneesh and Tanmay Ghosh. Officials said rescue and relief operations remain underway as teams continue to inspect the affected area and assess any remaining risks.

According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), the incident was a worksite-related mudslide linked to excavation activity at the tunnel project and not a natural landslide. Authorities said soil and debris removed during construction are believed to have slid down the slope, leading to the accident.

The Wayanad mudslide occurred after the district recorded around 265 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. Heavy rain has continued across several parts of Wayanad, increasing concerns about soil movement, slope stability and safety around construction zones and landslide-prone areas.

Video footage of the landslide circulating online shows large volumes of mud and debris crashing down the hillside near the tunnel worksite. The incident took place close to Meenakshi Bridge, a vital link used by residents of nearby areas, raising concerns about connectivity and public safety.

Local residents said they had not anticipated the scale of the collapse. “We think the soil removed as part of the construction work might have flowed away. Precautions were reportedly being taken, but we did not expect the hill to collapse,” a resident said.

The landslide has also disrupted movement in the area and sparked concerns among parents and teachers. Students from Meppadi and nearby Vellaramala cross the bridge to attend schools in Meppadi town, while many of their families live on the opposite side. Residents have expressed concern over the condition of the bridge following the mudslide.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has reached the location and joined rescue efforts alongside local authorities and disaster management teams. Emergency personnel are continuing search, rescue and assessment operations at the site.

According to the Chief Minister's Office, Chief Minister V.D. Satheeshan reviewed the situation with the Wayanad District Collector and sought updates on the ongoing rescue mission.

Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar and Agriculture Minister T. Siddique have been instructed to travel to Wayanad to oversee rescue operations and ensure coordination among government departments responding to the incident.

The mudslide has revived memories of the devastating 2024 Wayanad landslides in Mundakkai and Chooralmala that killed more than 250 people and left many others missing. Although officials say the latest incident was linked to construction activity, it has once again put the spotlight on safety in the rain-hit district.