Kozhikode: Several commuters had a narrow escape on Tuesday evening when a massive landslip struck the Wayanad Ghat Road near the 9th curve around 7 pm. A huge mass of earth, along with trees and boulders, collapsed, blocking the highway.

Police have warned travellers on the NH 766 (Kozhikode–Kollegal National Highway) to take alternative routes, as regular traffic on the ghat stretch is unlikely to be restored before noon on Wednesday.

Vehicles heading towards the ghat road are being blocked at Lakkidi in Wayanad and Adivaram in Kozhikode district, with diversions arranged through alternative routes including Kuttiadi ghat road and Nilambur road.

Volunteers from the Churam Samrakshana Samithy, along with personnel from the Kalpetta Fire and Rescue unit and police from Thamarassery and Vythiri stations, rushed to the spot. However, clearing operations have been progressing slowly.

The absence of streetlights has hampered rescue and debris removal efforts, while the risk of fresh landslips continues to loom large, making the operation more challenging. However, reports suggest that the traffic congestion may persist for at least three more hours, as earthmovers cannot be deployed to the site immediately.