Overview
- A large landslide struck the Kalladi area near Meenakshi Bridge at the Anakkompoyil–Meppadi tunnel site on Tuesday, burying part of the work site and nearby quarters and leaving workers and residents feared trapped.
- Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan confirmed one death, multiple injured and several people missing and convened an emergency meeting that sent ministers and district officials to the scene.
- Fire and Rescue Services, police and multiple NDRF teams have launched round-the-clock search and rescue operations while local residents pulled several people to safety before official teams arrived.
- State ministers and officials allege the collapse may be man-made because large mounds of excavated earth were stacked at the site and say earlier orders to remove the material were not followed, leading to an official probe.
- Rescue and clearance are being slowed by continuing heavy rain, thick mud and blocked access roads, and authorities say heavy earth-moving equipment will be needed to remove debris and complete a full search.