On the early morning of July 30, 2024, the serene hills of Wayanad district in Kerala were violently transformed by a series of catastrophic landslides. Between 1:00 AM and 4:30 AM, heavy rains triggered the collapse of hillsides in the villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Meppadi, resulting in torrents of mud, water, and boulders cascading down onto the area1. This disaster has left a deep scar on the landscape and the lives of those who call Wayanad home.
What Exactly Happened?
The disaster began with a landslide in the village of Mundakkai, which swept away the entire village. This was followed by another landslide in Chooralmala, which diverted the Iruvazhinji River, causing flash floods that washed away the village1. The landslides and subsequent floods resulted in the destruction of homes, roads, and critical infrastructure, leaving the affected areas isolated and in dire need of assistance.
Areas Affected
The landslides primarily affected the villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Kunhome1. These areas were buried under massive debris, with roads blocked and terrain rendered unstable. The picturesque regions of Mundakkai and Chooralmala suffered the heaviest damage, with homes, shops, and vehicles swallowed by the earth1.
Impact on People and Wildlife
The human toll of this disaster is staggering. At least 359 lives have been lost, over 200 people have been injured, and 218 are still missing1. The majority of the victims were workers on tea and cardamom estates, who were likely asleep in their makeshift tents when the landslides struck1. Additionally, over 9,910 people have been displaced, and many families remain stranded in isolated areas1.
The impact on wildlife has also been severe. The landslides have destroyed habitats and disrupted the delicate balance of the local ecosystem. The Western Ghats, where Wayanad is located, is a biodiversity hotspot, home to many endangered species. The destruction of forests and natural habitats due to landslides and deforestation poses a significant threat to wildlife in the region1.
Causes and Responsibility
The primary cause of the landslides was the heavy rainfall that preceded the disaster, with an estimated 570 mm of rainfall recorded in the two days leading up to the event1. However, human activities have significantly exacerbated the situation. Deforestation, unregulated construction, and changes in land use have destabilized the hillsides, making them more susceptible to landslides12.
The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) had previously identified the affected areas as ecologically sensitive zones, recommending restrictions on construction and land use changes2. Unfortunately, these recommendations were not fully implemented, contributing to the severity of the disaster.
Preventing Future Disasters
To prevent such disasters in the future, it is crucial to implement the recommendations of the WGEEP and other environmental experts. This includes enforcing strict regulations on construction and land use in ecologically sensitive areas, promoting reforestation, and improving early warning systems for landslides and floods2. Additionally, there must be a concerted effort to address the impacts of climate change, which is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events2.
How You Can Help
In the wake of this tragedy, Dianalds New Era Care Foundation (DNECF) is committed to providing aid and relief to the affected communities. We have launched a fundraiser to support our efforts in delivering immediate relief, such as food, water, and medical supplies, as well as long-term recovery initiatives, including rebuilding homes and restoring livelihoods.
Your generous donations can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by the Wayanad disaster. To contribute to our relief efforts, please visit our fundraiser page and make a donation. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us bring hope and support to those in need.
Together, we can help Wayanad recover and build a more resilient future for its people and wildlife.
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