The death toll in the Wayanad tunnel road mudslide has climbed to seven as rescue teams discovered another body amidst challenging weather and terrain conditions. The victim was found during a search operation involving various agencies like the National Disaster Response Force, Fire and Rescue Services, police, Forest Department, and local volunteers.
Heavy machinery, including excavators, is being used to clear the extensive debris left by the mudslide near Meenakshi Bridge in Kalladi, where construction work for the tunnel road project was ongoing. Despite facing intermittent rain and unstable soil, the operation is persisting.
The tragic incident, which occurred during work on the ambitious tunnel road project, has led to political debates over the project’s approval and the events preceding the disaster. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has announced a thorough investigation by a team of experts to assess all aspects of the project, focusing on safety protocols and potential lapses that may have contributed to the accident.
Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, who oversaw the project’s clearance earlier this year, defended the approval process, emphasizing compliance with mandatory procedures and statutory protocols. However, his stance was met with criticism from Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar, who questioned the rush to draw conclusions before the expert committee’s report.
