Wayanad: A major mudslide at the Kalladi tunnel construction site near Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad district injured six people and triggered a large-scale rescue operation on Tuesday, as the region continued to reel under intense monsoon rainfall.

The incident occurred near Meenakshi Bridge, a key link connecting several local communities, after a large volume of excavated soil and debris reportedly gave way and slid down the hillside, blocking roads and raising fears that workers or passersby could have been trapped. One worker was initially rescued from beneath the debris, while authorities later confirmed that six injured persons were shifted to hospital for treatment.

Those admitted to hospital have been identified as Hira Suresh, Dileep, Suraj, Sanjay, Rajneesh and Tanmay Ghosh. Officials said there have been no fatalities so far.

According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), the incident was a worksite-related mudslide linked to construction activities and not a natural landslide. The authority said debris and soil from excavation work slid down the slope, leading to the accident. The affected area recorded around 265 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours, adding to concerns over ground stability and safety.

Rescue and relief operations are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) reaching the site and joining local authorities in assessing the extent of the damage. Emergency response personnel are continuing inspections to ensure no one remains trapped in the affected zone.

Local residents said the movement of excavated soil may have contributed to the incident. “We think the soil removed as part of the construction work might have flowed away. Precautions were being taken, but we did not expect the hill to collapse,” a local resident said.

The mudslide has also raised concerns about public safety and connectivity in the region. The affected area is located near a bridge used daily by residents from nearby settlements. Parents and teachers have expressed worries over access to schools, as many students from Meppadi and Vellaramala cross the bridge to attend classes in Meppadi town while their families live on the opposite side.

The condition of the bridge has become a matter of concern following the incident, with residents urging authorities to assess its safety as rescue efforts continue.

According to the Chief Minister's Office, Chief Minister V.D. Satheeshan spoke to the Wayanad District Collector to review the evolving situation and assess the progress of rescue operations.

Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar and Agriculture Minister T. Siddique have been instructed to proceed to Wayanad immediately to oversee emergency response efforts and ensure coordination among various agencies.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert as heavy rainfall continues across Wayanad, a district that has witnessed multiple landslides in 2024.