Kerala Weather Update: Wayanad Landslide Leaves 2 Dead, Several Missing Near Tunnel Project; Red Alert Issued

Heavy monsoon rain triggered a deadly landslide near the Kalladi tunnel project in Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday, leaving two person dead and seven others missing. Following the incident, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Red Alert for Wayanad and Kozhikode, warning of extremely heavy rainfall as rescue teams searched for survivors and authorities evacuated residents from vulnerable areas.

Kerala Weather Alert: Two Dead & Several Missing After Wayanad Mudslide

The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in parts of northern Kerala and placed Wayanad and Kozhikode under a Red Alert, signalling the possibility of exceptionally heavy rain that could trigger landslides, flash floods and widespread disruption.

Neighbouring Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod have been placed under an Orange Alert, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall during the ongoing monsoon spell.

According to weather officials, Wayanad received intense rainfall throughout the day, with Vythiri recording 123 mm and Mananthavady receiving 64 mm. The persistent rain has already saturated the soil in many hill areas, increasing the possibility of fresh slope failures.

The landslide occurred at around 11 am near Meenakshi Bridge in the Kalladi area, where construction linked to the proposed tunnel road connecting Wayanad and Malappuram was underway.

Initial reports indicate that two person lost their life in the disaster. Seven people sustained injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals, while seven others were reported missing as rescue teams continued search operations.

A private bus used for transporting project workers was swept into a nearby river by the force of the landslide and floodwaters. Images from the site showed the vehicle partially submerged.

Officials said the incident could have been far more devastating had full-scale construction work been in progress at the time.

According to government officials, no large group of construction workers was present when the landslide struck. However, those feared trapped are believed to include engineers and security personnel stationed near the project area.

Rescue teams, police, fire services and local authorities have been deployed despite difficult weather conditions. Heavy rainfall, unstable slopes and poor visibility have complicated search efforts, while nearby residents are being shifted to safer locations as a precaution.