Wayanad landslide toll at eight as last missing body recovered

The search and rescue operation for victims of a landslide at a tunnel construction site in Kerala's Wayanad concluded Sunday with the recovery of the last missing body, bringing the total death toll to eight. The incident occurred on July 7 at the Kalladi tunnel project, which aims to connect the Wayanad and Kozhikode districts.

The final victim, identified as project manager Vikram Rana from Himachal Pradesh, was found approximately 350 meters downstream from the Meenakshi bridge. His body was discovered amidst accumulated debris during a search along the river. Relatives confirmed his identity before the body was taken for post-mortem examination and subsequent transport to his native place.

For six days, Rana's family and villagers endured an anxious wait, hoping for his safe rescue. "The recovery of the body ended six days of anxious waiting for the family, relatives and villagers," said Vikram's elder brother, Kulwant Rana. "We had been hoping for his safe rescue. Family members have not cooked food at home during the entire period, praying for his safe return."

Following the recovery, Kerala's agriculture minister, T Siddique, announced that the company executing the tunnel project has been instructed to offer immediate and long-term financial aid to the families of those killed and injured in the landslide. The intensive search operation involved multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Special Operations Group (SOG), and Fire and Rescue Services.

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The recovery of the body ended six days of anxious waiting for the family, relatives and villagers. We had been hoping for his safe rescue. Family members have not cooked food at home during the entire period, praying for his safe return.