Wayanad: Rescue operations continued on Wednesday to locate five people who remain missing after a debris slip at a tunnel road construction site in Kerala’s Wayanad district claimed three lives.
Authorities have intensified the search operation, deploying multiple rescue agencies and specialised equipment in the affected area.
Multi-agency rescue operation underway
Wayanad Superintendent of Police Devamanohar said an unnatural death case has been registered in connection with the landslide, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the incident.
He said search teams, including personnel from the fire and rescue services and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are working around the clock to trace the missing workers.
Cadaver dogs have also been deployed to assist in locating those trapped beneath the debris.
Search area divided into four zones
To improve the efficiency of the rescue efforts, officials have divided the affected site into four separate search zones. Teams are simultaneously combing the landslide area and nearby locations.
Police said search operations have also been extended to areas downstream of the river, as authorities are exploring every possible location where victims could have been carried by the debris.
Meanwhile, the road leading to Chooralmala has been cleared to facilitate the movement of rescue vehicles and heavy machinery.
Investigation begins
Officials said the investigation will examine the circumstances that led to the debris slip at the tunnel road construction site.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the risks associated with infrastructure projects in hilly regions, particularly during periods of unstable weather and loose soil conditions.
Rescue operations are expected to continue until all the missing persons are accounted for.