In Keralam, three people were killed in a landslide at the tunnel construction site near Kalladi in Meppadi, Wayanad, following heavy rainfall today.
Nine workers who were trapped underground were rescued and shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital, Meppadi.
Six others remain missing and are feared trapped beneath the debris. Rescue operations are continuing with teams from the Fire and Rescue Services and disaster response agencies. A Sub-Inspector of Police from Meppadi also sustained injuries during the rescue operation and has been admitted to hospital.
The Keralam State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said, the collapse occurred when debris accumulated during excavation for the Wayanad-Kalladi tunnel construction site slid down following incessant and torrential monsoon rains, blocking roads.
The landslide occurred near Meenakshi Bridge, where tunnel construction was underway. Work at the site had been suspended on Monday due to incessant rain. Vehicles at the site were also buried in the landslide.
Wayanad has been experiencing heavy rainfall since yesterday. A red alert has been issued for Wayanad and Kozhikode districts. Authorities had already issued high-alert warnings for vulnerable areas, including the tunnel construction site. Educational institutions in Wayanad will remain closed tomorrow.