Female tourist dies in Wayanad resort tent collapse; 2 others injured

Wayanad: A 24-year-old woman tourist died after a tent collapsed at a resort in Wayanad, officials confirmed on May 15. The deceased has been identified as Nishma.

The group of 16 tourists from Nilambur in the neighbouring Malappuram district had arrived at the 900 Kandi resort in Meppadi on Wednesday evening. The resort, situated close to forest areas and accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles, features temporary structures made from traditional materials such as wood, with roofs constructed from leaves.

Heavy rain struck the hilltop resort on Wednesday night, causing one of the tents to collapse. The incident resulted in Nishma’s death and injuries to two others.

On Thursday morning, local revenue authorities and police launched an investigation to determine whether the resort had obtained all necessary approvals and sanctions from local governing bodies. The resort management stated they hold all prescribed licenses and attributed the tragedy to the intense rainfall that occurred overnight. The investigation is ongoing.

Wayanad, known for its cool climate, is a popular tourist destination that experiences a significant influx of visitors, especially as vacation season comes to a close. The district, bordering Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, has seen a rapid rise in tourism infrastructure, with numerous resorts and homestays emerging to accommodate growing demand.

Weekend tourist traffic is particularly heavy, leading locals to convert personal spaces into accommodations to offer visitors unique experiences.

It is important to note that in 2024, Wayanad suffered a series of landslides triggered by heavy rains, resulting in hundreds of deaths, numerous injuries, and missing persons. The region remains vulnerable to natural calamities during the monsoon season.

With IANS inputs