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

Published 9 July 2026 · india

‘Saw Massive Wave Of Mud Chasing Us’: Eyewitness Recall Wayanad Landslide Horror As Death Toll Reaches 4 Published By, Last Updated: July 09, 2026, 10:00

‘Saw Massive Wave Of Mud Chasing Us’: Eyewitness Recall Wayanad Landslide Horror As Death Toll Reaches 4 Published By, Last Updated: July 09, 2026, 10:00 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. Plantation worker couple - Palraj M (47) and wife Koodammal (37) - narrowly escape after a landslide occurs in Wayanad. 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. Also Read: ‘Run Fast’: 3 Escape By Seconds As Wayanad Landslide Pushes Tanker Towards Them | Video 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. CCTv footage of Terrifying Moment of #Landslide near Meenakshi Bridge at #Kalladi, where work on a tunnel road project connecting #Malappuram and #Wayanad districts was going on.According to #Kerala CM one died, 7 injured, another 7 missing. pic.twitter.com/tjBjPPuWsw — Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) July 7, 2026 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.