‘Saw Massive Wave Of Mud Chasing Us’: Eyewitness Recall Wayanad Landslide Horror As Death Toll Reaches 4

Last Updated:July 09, 2026, 09:56 IST

A couple, Palraj M and Koodammal, narrowly escaped a landslide at the Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel project site in Wayanad, Kerala. The incident killed 4, left 5 missing.

Days after a massive landslide struck the Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel project site near Kalladi in Kerala’s Wayanad district, a couple – plantation worker couple Palraj M (47) and wife Koodammal (37) – recalled the horror they witnessed as they stood near a bridge to catch a bus.

Speaking to The Indian Express, the couple said that they were standing near a bridge in Wayanad’s Kalladi village and waiting for a bus when they felt something was off with the hill nearby.

“We lived in the estate quarters close to the construction site (the twin tunnel project). On Tuesday, it had been raining heavily since morning. The estate was closed. After sending our two kids to school, we headed for a bank in the nearby Meppadi town. By the time we reached the bus stop near the Meenakshi bridge, the 11 am bus had already left. We were waiting to catch the next bus or a taxi," said Palraj, while speaking to The Indian Express.

‘Massive Wave Of Mud Chasing Us’

“Initially, a small portion of the hill started slipping down. Someone from the other side of the bridge raised an alarm. Holding my wife’s hand, I rushed to pass the bridge to the other side. But as soon as we set foot on the bridge, we saw a massive wave of mud chasing us," he added.

The couple who had a narrow escape remembered how a tanker truck, which was pushed by the raging debris, came at a high speed towards them.

“A tanker truck was seen engaged in cleaning the bridge of mud that flowed from the site (a usual practice). All of a sudden, the truck got tossed away by the debris. We fell into the debris and saw the heavy vehicle flowing towards us. My wife narrowly escaped coming under the back wheels of the truck,’’ he added.

The couple said that they consider themselves lucky to have survived this tragic incident, which took the lives of four people. Five people still remain missing, and those injured have been hospitalised.

CCTV Captures Couple’s Narrow Escape In Landslide

A CCTV video capturing the dramatic escape of the couple during the landslide has gone viral on social media. The footage, recorded by a camera installed outside a nearby shop, shows the pair running as a torrent of mud and debris engulfs the area.

In the video, Palraj is seen tightly holding Koodammal’s hand as they try to flee. Although the force of the landslide briefly separates them, he quickly turns back to check on her, helps her to her feet, and the two then run to safety together.

Originally from Tamil Nadu, the couple have been employed at a tea estate in Wayanad for nearly two decades. Following the incident, they are now considering relocating to another place.

“When the work for the tunnel started early this year, we were happy and considered ourselves lucky to be living in a landmark area. Now, it is a nightmare. Our children (a boy and a girl) insist that we should move out to another place,’’ said Palraj, who is currently staying at a relief camp.

4 Killed In Massive Landslide In Wayanad

Four people have been killed, and five others are missing after a massive landslide struck the Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel project site on July 7, which was described as “man-made" by a state minister.

The landslide occurred near Meenakshi Bridge at Kalladi, where work on the tunnel road project connecting Malappuram and Wayanad districts has been underway since last year. The area is close to Mundakkai, which witnessed a devastating landslide in 2024.

A video from the scene captured the moment a large mound of earth near Meenakshi Bridge gave way following heavy rainfall, triggering a sudden landslide. The cascading mud swept away trees and tore through the metal and fabric barricades erected around the construction site.

‘Man-Made Landslide’

Speaking on the incident, Kerala Minister T. Siddique alleged that the landslide was caused by negligence at the construction site.

“It is not a natural landslide, but a man-made landslide. It is a clear case of lapse. Six people are seriously injured, and they are admitted to the hospital. Their condition is stable. We will continue search and rescue at the site in Kalladi. The District Collector had given in writing to Konkan Railways regarding the chance of a landslide at the site," he said.

Room For Technical Error Is Very Limited: Dilip Buildcon

Infrastructure company Dilip Buildcon, which was given the contract for the construction of the twin-tube tunnels at Wayanad, on Tuesday ruled out any technical error which may have triggered the landslide at the Anakkampoyil–Kalladi– Meppadi tunnel project site.

Dilip Buildcon said the project is being carried out in accordance with all applicable engineering, safety and environmental norms, approvals and prescribed protocols.

“Given its location in an ecologically sensitive region, the project is subject to multiple regulatory oversight and monitoring mechanisms, including supervision by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee, and all excavated material is handled in accordance with the approved methodology," it said.

“With such additional and strict compliance procedures, the room for technical error remains very limited," Dilip Buildcon added.

Probe Ordered

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) on Wednesday ordered a probe into allegations that negligence by the company executing the Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel project and government departments contributed to the July 7 landslide in Wayanad.

Judicial member K Byjunath directed the Wayanad district collector and the superintending engineer (roads) of the Public Works Department to investigate the allegations and submit a detailed report within 15 days.

According to the commission, the matter will next be taken up during its sitting at the Bathery Municipal Town Hall on August 14.

With inputs from PTI

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Prisha Vibhavari

Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st...Read More

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