Search continues in Wayanad as death toll hits seven

The victim, identified by his family, was discovered downstream from the July 7 disaster site at Kalladi in Meppadi. Minister T Siddique confirmed the body has been transferred to the taluka headquarters hospital for post-mortem procedures before being repatriated to his home state. Heavy machinery remains on-site to clear debris, which reached depths of up to 10 feet across the tunnel construction zone.

Political friction has emerged alongside the rescue efforts. Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan, despite pledging support for the relief operations, challenged the state government’s narrative regarding the disaster. Vijayan specifically disputed the Chief Minister’s claims concerning environmental clearances for the proposed tunnel road project, alleging that the administration is distorting facts about the ecological impact at the incident site.