Kalpetta: Travel across the Bailey bridge in Chooralmala in Wayanad has been suspended after cracks were found in various sections of its protective wall. Authorities reported that soil beneath the bridge pillars had been eroded, forcing a complete ban on movement through the bridge.

The bridge is a daily route for labourers heading to tea and cardamom plantations in the region.

Heavy rainfall has persisted for the last two days in Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas of Wayanad. Although the rain has caused a strong current in the Punnapuzha river, the water level is reportedly decreasing. 

Due to waterlogging near the Bailey bridge, a few plantation workers were temporarily stranded but were able to return safely once the water receded. 

An orange alert has been issued in Wayanad for Thursday. Officials assured that there is no immediate cause for concern, as Mundakkai currently has no residents. 

On Wednesday, trees and other debris were seen drifting along the Punnapuzha from the direction of Mundakkai, raising concerns that a landslide might have taken place.

Local residents alerted authorities, prompting an immediate response from the revenue, forest, and police departments. However, a subsequent joint inspection by revenue and forest officials confirmed that no landslide had occurred.