Wayanad landslide kills at least six, court orders immediate compensation

A mudslide struck the Anakkompoyil‑Kalladi‑Meppadi tunnel project in Wayanad, Kerala on July 7, burying workers under 7‑10 feet of debris. The confirmed death toll rose to six, with two people still missing. Rescue teams deployed sniffer dogs, excavators and National Disaster Response Force personnel, recovering additional bodies on July 9 and 10.

The Kerala High Court ordered the state to disburse ex‑gratia payments to victims’ families, provide free medical treatment to the injured, and ensure prompt repatriation of the deceased. Justice A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiar instructed, “Ensure that treatment happens without insisting on any payment… the expenses shall be a charge on the project.”

Political leaders criticised the response. Former chief minister and opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan said, “Ministers are speaking without any coordination… facts are being distorted regarding environmental clearance.” The incident has sparked a dispute over whether the disaster was a natural event or caused by negligence in soil‑dumping and construction practices.

Identified victims include migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. Injured persons remain in hospitals, with several in critical condition. The court will monitor relief and rehabilitation measures weekly.