Wayanad (Kerala) | A massive search operation involving multiple agencies and volunteer groups began on the sixth day on Sunday to trace the lone person still missing since the July 7 landslide at the tunnel project site in Kalladi, Wayanad.
The landslide, which occurred on July 7 at the site of the Anakkampoyil–Meppadi tunnel project intended to connect Wayanad and Kozhikode districts, claimed seven lives, with one person still missing.
The missing person has been identified as Vikram Rana, a construction manager from Himachal Pradesh.
Speaking to reporters, Kerala Agriculture Minister T Siddique said a full-scale search was being carried out along the Meenachil river involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Special Operations Group (SOG), Fire and Rescue Services, the Rapid Response Team, Forest Department personnel and youth volunteer organisations.
He said the entire stretch from the landslide site to the downstream reaches of the Meenakshi River had been divided into sectors, with separate teams assigned to search each area. Both riverbanks were being covered.
"There are concerns that the body could be trapped beneath the debris or covered by rocks and boulders. Therefore, a comprehensive search is being carried out simultaneously in all the identified areas," the minister said.
Siddique said teams were also continuing searches in the upper reaches based on the assessment of available video footage, including CCTV recordings, and inputs from workers at the site.
He said the NDRF and the police had analysed the footage and identified specific locations for focused searches.
According to the minister, parallel searches were also being carried out near a pond upstream, where iron rods and other debris had accumulated after being washed down by the landslide.
"Officials and workers informed us that the missing person was last seen near that area. The entire debris zone is being searched thoroughly," he said.
On the arrival of an expert team to study the disaster, Siddique said it was likely to reach the site soon.
In view of the search operations, traffic restrictions are in place from 8 am to noon on the Meppadi–Chooralmala road.
