Catastrophic Landslides in Wayanad: A Community in Crisis

A tragic consequence of nature and Human Intervention

In the Wayanad district, the landslide has taken place several times, especially at the time of monsoon season. These devastating landslides triggered the Wayanad district of Kerala again on 29 July 2024. However, it resulted in the loss of the property as well as the loss of the people. It has been observed that at least 45 people have been confirmed dead, and hundreds of people are missing and families displaced. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian army are helping to rescue the missing people continuously, as they are actively involved in the efforts.  Moreover, exacerbated by human activity and inadequate infrastructure, the tragedy highlights the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.

The Event: A Day of Destruction

This incident took place in the early hours, catching many residents off guard. For several days the heavy rains have been lashing in the district, saturating the soil and the cause it to lose stability. Moreover, in various areas, the entire hillsides gave the ways, sending torrents of mud, rocks, etc., like in Attamala areas, Noolpuzha, Mundakkai and the Chooralmala. These terrifying moments were witnessed when the ground shook, and a thunderous sound filled the air. However, the landslides signalling the onset. Many homes, roads and farmlands were buried into the thick layers of earth within a matter of minutes. Therefore, from the rest of the district, the affected areas were cut off which complicates the rescue efforts.

Loss and Despair

The disaster has been staggering the human cost. In this landslide of Wayanad, many people have been confirmed dead, at least 45 people and the one-year-old child was also included in the family of Nepali. Moreover, it has been observed that in this landslide, around 29 were damaged and destroyed; the people were also displaced around 16000 approximately. The deadly landslides of Wayanad survivors recounted the harrowing experience of escaping. Moreover, many people managed to evacuate in time while others were rescued by the emergency personnel and neighbours.

However, as we know, leaving their own house is quite difficult; they hope that the worst is over and stay in their home, which causes them to be trapped in the mudslide. On the local communities, the landslides in Wayanad have had devastating effects. It has especially impacted agriculture, a primary source of income for many residents has been particularly severe.  As the crops and the farmlands were destroyed in the landslides many farmers are kept without the sources of income. However, many roads and bridges were also destroyed and it has hampered access to the market where the farmer used to sell their produce.

Government and Community Response

The government and various organizations have launched relief and rehabilitation efforts in response to the landslides of Wayanad. However, in rescue operations and providing assistance to the affected communities, the “National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)” and local authorities have been actively involved. The people who were displaced by the landslide incident have been provided temporary shelters and medical and food aid. However, the two Air Force helicopters were dispatched to airlift the affected families for their safety.

Moreover, to the affected communities, Prime Minister Narender Modi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed their condolence and pledged full support to them. However, the PM announced the financial help to the families of the deceased with Rs 2 lakh each and Rs 50000 for those who were injured. However, the various volunteers and the local organizations play an important role by providing relief camps, food, and supplies of medicine.

The challenges: A call for better preparedness

To natural disasters, the Wayanad landslides have once again underscored the region’s susceptibility. However, the Wayanad is located in the western ghat, which is geographically a fragile area for landslides, especially during the monsoon season.  The natural risk has been exacerbated by human activities such as unregulated construction, deforestation and inappropriate agricultural practices. To handle such disasters the district infrastructure is ill-equipped. The impacts of the landslides have compounded due to insufficient early warning mechanisms, lack of drainage systems, poorly maintained roads, etc. However, rescue operations were late due to the unreachability of the terrain​ in many affected areas.

The Way Forward: Learning from the Tragedy

For comprehensive disaster management strategies, the Wayanad landslides serve as a grim reminder of the urgent needs. Moreover, the authorities must give priority to strengthening early warning systems and on the use of land and construction they should implement stricter regulations. However, to restore the natural stability of the hillsides, reforestation and soil conservation measures should be promoted. In addition, it is also crucial to invest in resilient infrastructure. The design of the roads and bridges and the drainage systems should be built to withstand extreme weather conditions. Moreover, the risks of landslides and the significance of evacuating promptly during emergencies, in the local community should be educated.

Therefore, As Wayanad deals with the outcome of the landslides, the flexibility and solidarity of its people have shone through. Neighbours have come together to support one another, helpers have worked diligently in relief efforts, and authorities have prepared resources to help the affected. While the street to recovery will be long and challenging, the shared spirit of the community offers hope for a better, more organized future.

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