Kalpetta: The massive landslide at the Kalladi tunnel road construction site in Wayanad has left the area facing a grave situation. According to officials, six people, including senior engineers overseeing the construction work and labourers, are missing after a section of the hill collapsed following heavy rainfall.

The missing have been identified as Vikram Singh Rana, the engineer in charge of the project, Rahul Sharma, the site engineer, supervisor Ranjit, security guard Surya, excavator operator Vikas Kumar and Rajaneesh.

Meanwhile, six people rescued from the accident site have been admitted to Dr. Moopen's Medical College Hospital in Meppadi. Hospital authorities said one of the injured is in critical condition.

Rescue operations are being carried out jointly by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, Police, and the Forest Department, with local residents also actively assisting. However, incessant heavy rain continues to hamper rescue efforts.

As a precautionary measure, residents living in labour quarters on nearby estates and others in vulnerable areas are being shifted to safer locations. Relief camps have already been opened in nearby schools to accommodate the evacuees. Police have imposed strict restrictions on public access to the disaster site to prevent further risks.

The district administration has warned that there is still a possibility of additional landslides in the area and has urged people to remain extremely vigilant.

District Collector DR Meghashree, MLA IC Balakrishnan, and District Panchayat President Chandrika Krishnan have reached the site to review the rescue operations. Public representatives and revenue officials are coordinating relief efforts from the spot. The Collector said every possible measure is being taken to intensify the search for the missing persons.