Vayanad landslide tragedy: death toll rises, probe ordered on tunnel project

The death toll from the Vayanad landslide associated with the tunnel road construction rose to seven on Friday, as rescue crews uncovered another body from the wreckage. One individual remains missing, and coordinated efforts by the National Disaster Response Force, fire‑rescue services, police, forest officials and local volunteers continue to locate him.

Heavy-duty excavators are being employed to clear the slide, but intermittent rain and ground instability are hampering the work. The collapse occurred close to Meenakshi Bridge in the Kalladi area, where the ambitious tunnel road project is in progress.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has mandated a specialist panel to conduct a thorough investigation into the project’s planning, execution and safety compliance. Opposition leader P. Vijayan defended the approval process, claiming all necessary legal steps were observed before work commenced.

Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar, stationed at the site, cautioned against premature judgments and urged patience until the expert committee submits its findings. The Kerala High Court has also requested a detailed investigative report. The upcoming expert analysis and judicial oversight will determine whether the incident was a natural calamity or a consequence of administrative negligence.