Wayanad (Kerala) [India], July 9 (ANI): Search and rescue operations at the landslide site in Kerala’s Wayanad district entered a critical phase on Thursday, with authorities recovering another body from the debris, raising the confirmed death toll to four.
The landslide, which occurred on Tuesday, July 7, struck a tunnel construction site at Kalladi in Meppadi Grama Panchayat, burying workers under an estimated 7 to 10 feet of mud and boulders.
Among those who lost their lives was Anmol Dodrai, a young man from Jharkhand’s Khunti district. His remains arrived at Ranchi airport on Thursday, where they were received by grieving family members before being transported to his native village in the Torpa block.
Anmol had moved to Kerala five months ago in search of work to support his family. His elder sister, Premlata Dodrai, recalled the devastating moment when the family learned about the tragedy, saying they were initially unaware of the severity of the incident.
“We received information that it was raining heavily there and a landslide occurred… We didn’t have much information at first. Then later, around 7:30-8:00 PM, we found out he is no more,” she told ANI.
For the Dodrai family, Anmol’s move to Kerala represented hopes for a better future.
“We are from a poor family. This was the first time Anmol had gone out to work. He said he would earn some money, build a house, do something for us, and get married properly with his own money,” Premlata said.
She also recalled their final attempt to contact him, saying his phone went unanswered on Monday, just a day before the tragedy. His younger sister, Sushma Dodrai, remembered their last conversation in June, when the siblings discussed his plans and personal expenses.
Rescue teams continue to work through thick sludge and massive boulders at the Kalladi site, facing challenging conditions while searching for those still missing. Visuals from the site on Thursday morning showed personnel navigating difficult terrain during the ongoing recovery operation.
The district administration and local agencies remain engaged in the rescue efforts as the community continues to deal with the aftermath of the disaster. (ANI)
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