Wayanad – Search Teams Intensify Excavation to Trace Missing Worker at Landslide Site
Wayanad – Rescue teams have stepped up efforts at the Wayanad landslide site as authorities prepare for an intensive excavation in a key search zone to locate the only person still reported missing. Officials believe the renewed operation could provide crucial progress in the ongoing mission following the devastating landslide that struck the region earlier this week.
Focus Shifts to Zone 2 for Detailed Excavation
Kerala Minister T Siddique said search teams will dedicate Saturday’s operations to Zone 2 after reviewing findings gathered during inspections conducted across all designated search areas. According to the minister, rescue personnel carried out extensive surveys on Friday in Zones 1, 2 and 3 while also examining sections of the Meenachipuzha River downstream for any possible evidence.
He explained that video assessments carried out after Friday’s operation offered encouraging indications, prompting authorities to prioritise a large-scale excavation in Zone 2. Officials plan to remove accumulated soil and debris before conducting a detailed inspection of the area in the hope of locating Vikram Rana, who remains unaccounted for after the disaster.
Multiple Agencies Continue Coordinated Rescue Mission
The search operation is being led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) with support from the Fire and Rescue Services and international rescue personnel. Siddique said senior officials, including the NDRF leadership and the District Collector, held strategic discussions to finalise Saturday’s operational plan.
He added that the rescue teams have confirmed they possess all the equipment and logistical support needed for the excavation. Heavy vehicles, including tipper trucks requested by the NDRF, have already been deployed, and officials remain prepared to provide any additional assistance if required.
Relief Support Continues for Displaced Families
Alongside rescue efforts, the Kerala government is continuing relief operations for people displaced by the landslide. Siddique said authorities are ensuring that families staying in relief camps receive uninterrupted access to essential services.
According to the minister, breakfast, including milk, eggs and bananas, has been provided regularly, while snack kits have been distributed to every family. Clothing has also been supplied, and healthcare facilities have been strengthened with the deployment of a doctor in Chooralmala. Transportation services using jeep vehicles continue throughout the day to help residents travel between camps and nearby locations.
Family Appreciates Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Vikram Rana’s family has acknowledged the commitment shown by rescue personnel since the search began. A relative said Rana, who belongs to Himachal Pradesh, remains the only missing individual after the landslide and expressed appreciation for the continuous efforts being made by various agencies.
The family member also said they had received support and communication from Kerala Chief Minister as well as Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who enquired about the ongoing search operation and the family’s situation.
Death Toll Rises Following Latest Recovery
The confirmed death toll from the Wayanad landslide has increased to seven after rescue teams recovered the body of Rajesh, a resident of East Midnapore in West Bengal. His body was found in the downstream stretch of the Meenachipuzha River on Friday.
Officials said family members identified the deceased before the body was sent for postmortem examination and later prepared for transportation to his native place.
Landslide Buried Tunnel Construction Site
The landslide occurred on July 7 near the tunnel construction project at Kalladi in Meppadi Grama Panchayat, where massive volumes of mud and debris engulfed large sections of the worksite. Since then, rescue personnel have been working under difficult conditions with heavy machinery and specialised equipment to clear debris and search for victims.
Authorities have stated that rescue operations will continue until every possible effort has been made to locate the remaining missing worker while ensuring support for affected families in the disaster-hit region.