On 30 July 2024, the tranquil district of Wayanad, nestled in the mountain range of the Western Ghats in Kerala, India, saw a cataclysmic landslide that caused devastation to its landscape and residents. Wayanad, known for its lush green hills, rich forests, and vibrant culture, was devastated by a natural calamity, raising serious questions about environmental sustainability, disaster management, and climate change.
This article explores the devastating landslide focusing on its impact on the local community, current rescue efforts, and the larger implications for climate change and disaster preparedness in Kerala.
Table of Contents
Causes of the Wayanad Landslide
Geographical and Climatic Factors
Wayanad district is located in the northern part of the highland zone. Kalpetta is the district headquarters.
Wayanad's topography, with steep slopes (over 20 degrees in many areas) and mountainous terrains, renders it prone to landslides. The region's soil, which is largely laterite, is prone to erosion, particularly following severe rains. Wayanad saw tremendous monsoon rainfall that was much above typical levels. These intense rains saturated the soil, weakening cohesiveness and causing the landslide.
Kerala has had the highest number of major landslides in India over the past seven years, with 59.2% of 3,782 landslides reported between 2015 and 2022, according to the Ministry of Earth Sciences.This raises questions about disaster preparedness and response strategies, necessitating the establishment of effective early warning systems, improved infrastructure resilience, and community education on disaster risk reduction. Addressing deforestation and land use changes is also crucial.
Watch This YouTube video (English): Wayanad Landslide Update: What Caused The Landslides That Killed Over 150 In Kerala?
The landslides affected Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, exacerbated by continuous heavy rainfall. The first landslide occurred around 2 AM, followed by another at approximately 4 AM. The Indian Meteorological Department reported that a 48-hour period of over 578 mm of rainfall led to landslides, highlighting the vulnerability of hilly regions to landslides, especially when combined with deforestation and inadequate land management practices.
Deforestation and Land Use Changes
Between 1950 and 2018, Wayanad lost over 60% of its forest cover due to factors like agriculture, logging, infrastructure development, and human settlement expansion. This loss has severe ecological impacts, including biodiversity loss, climate disruption, soil erosion, and decreased water retention capacity.
Wayanad has seen a 1,800% increase in plantation lands due to the region's shift towards commercial agriculture, primarily cash crops like tea, coffee, rubber, and spices. However, this often involves clearing native forests, causing habitat loss and fragmentation.
Monoculture plantations have caused biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and social and cultural impacts. They lack ecosystem services, causing soil degradation, reduced groundwater recharge, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, affecting indigenous communities.
Deforestation and unregulated construction in eco-sensitive zones, such as the Meppadi panchayat, have increased vulnerability in the region, as regulations to control construction and human activity were not effectively implemented.
Climate Change
Climate change has become increasingly related to extreme weather occurrences throughout the world. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) collaborates with 2000-3000 scientists and experts from over 130 countries for its assessment reports, showcasing a diverse range of expertise and regional perspectives. The IPCC has cautioned that such catastrophes would grow more frequent and intense, posing higher hazards to vulnerable areas such as Wayanad where increasing temperatures and changed precipitation patterns have exacerbated the monsoon rains.
Impact of the Landslide
Loss of Lives and Property
"We didn't sleep the whole night. They are asking us to leave this place as there is danger of landslide. We are poor people, don't even have bus fare. How will we go?" says a survivor Uma Bai.
Watch This Video on Twitter (Hindi): https://tinyurl.com/no-sleep-the-whole-night
The landslide at Wayanad caused tragic loss of lives and property. According to the most recent reports, at least 150 individuals have been confirmed deceased, while many remain missing. Entire communities and villages have been buried in mud and rubble, leaving survivors devastated and destitute. The devastation of homes, schools, and hospitals has left a large percentage of the people without shelter and basic necessities.
"No more food, my house is gone... my daughter is gone..." Heart-wrenching words from a survivor of the Wayanad landslide.
Watch This Video on X (Malayalam): https://tinyurl.com/No-more-food
Kerala's government has declared a state of mourning and opened control rooms to coordinate emergency responses and medical assistance amid an influx of injured individuals in local hospitals.
Environmental Degradation
The landslide caused considerable environmental harm. Large areas of forest have been lost, affecting the surrounding environment and wildlife habitats. Rivers and streams have been blocked with detritus, causing water pollution and harming aquatic life. The loss of vegetation has raised the danger of future soil erosion and landslides.
Economic Impact
Wayanad's economy, which is mainly dependent on agriculture and tourism, has been seriously impacted. The coffee and spice farms, which are the foundation of the local economy, have been ravaged. The damage of infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, has hampered transportation and trade. The tourist sector, which attracts people to Wayanad for its natural beauty and cultural legacy, has suffered a significant setback as a result of the damage to attractions and lodgings.
Wayanad is a tourist place known for agritourism. Cash crops such as coffee, tea, cocoa, pepper, cardamom, plantain, and vanilla are also grown here.
Response and Relief Efforts
Immediate Relief Measures
In the early aftermath of the landslide, the Kerala state government, along with national disaster response organizations, began massive rescue and relief efforts. Emergency shelters were established to give temporary lodging to displaced families. Medical personnel were rushed to treat the injured and prevent the spread of illness. Food, water, and other necessities were sent to affected areas.
Rescue efforts are hindered by ongoing rainfall, making the terrain unstable. Around 250 personnel from various agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force and local rescue teams, have been deployed to aid in recovery efforts. Bailey bridges have been installed as part of recovery and relief efforts.
The landslide caused significant damage to infrastructure, burying homes, shops, and vehicles, blocking access routes, and isolating entire communities. The bridge that connected Attamala was washed away, complicating rescue operations.
Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, has declared that rescue operations are being conducted on a "war footing" with the government mobilizing military resources, including Indian Navy and Air Force teams, and helicopters to reach remote areas. Despite the challenging conditions, around 481 individuals have been rescued so far, and efforts are ongoing to locate and save those still trapped. The local government has established 45 relief camps in Wayanad, housing over 3,000 individuals, with additional camps across Kerala.
Broader Implications and Long-term Rehabilitation
Rehabilitating the impacted areas and reconstructing survivors' lives will take time. The government has issued compensation packages for the deceased's relatives, as well as financial assistance for home rebuilding. Special emphasis is being placed on restarting agricultural activity, with plans to supply farmers with seeds, tools, and technical support. Efforts are also underway to restore and rebuild infrastructure, making it more robust to future calamities.
Community Involvement
Local communities played an important part in the reaction and recovery efforts. Volunteers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local leaders have banded together to assist with rescue operations, relief efforts, and emotional support for those impacted. Community engagement has been critical in ensuring that relief reaches those in most need, as well as instilling survivors with a feeling of togetherness and resilience.
Mitigation and Preparedness
Sustainable Land Management
To prevent future landslides, Wayanad urgently needs sustainable land management methods. Reforestation initiatives must be emphasized in order to restore the natural vegetation that helps to maintain the soil. Implementing land use laws that limit building on susceptible slopes and encourage environmentally friendly agriculture methods can also assist in lowering the danger of landslides.
Climate Adaptation Strategies
Adapting to changing climate is critical for limiting the effects of catastrophic weather occurrences. Developing early warning systems and increasing weather forecasts can help communities prepare for possible catastrophes. Building climate-resilient infrastructure, such as flood-resistant roads and bridges, can assist in reducing damage from high rains.
Disaster Preparedness and Education
Improving disaster preparedness and promoting awareness in the local community is critical. Regular training and simulations for emergency response personnel and communities can help them be more prepared and coordinated during a crisis. Educational initiatives that educate locals about the dangers of landslides and the necessity of environmental conservation can promote a culture of preparation and sustainability.
Gadgil had warned about the fragility of the area
In the awareness aspect, it is unfair if the commitment and expertise of Madhav Gadgil is not mentioned. He is an ecologist and environmentalist who is known for his work on biodiversity and conservation. The Madhav Gadgil-panel report on the Western Ghats was a significant study conducted by the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) in 2011.
"The nature of the environment is such that it is not amenable to compartmentalization. All our actions have repercussions on the environment, and we must be mindful of these impacts." - Gadgil
The panel proposed declaring 75% of the Western Ghats (129,037 sq km) as environmentally sensitive due to dense forests and the presence of endemic species. The report suggests reducing the cultivation of single commercial crops on steep slopes due to soil erosion and increased run-off. The focus was on addressing the significant issue of encroachment and deforestation in the catchment areas of major rivers.
Many residents of Chooralmala recalled Gadgil's prediction on Tuesday when the tragedy hit. He had visited Wayanad on August 8, 2019, following the landslides in Puthumala. Gadgil had warned that the Western Ghats were severely degraded, and if no action was taken, Kerala could face a major disaster within four to five years.
Dr. Sekhar Lukose Kuriakose, Member Secretary of Kerala State Disaster Management, explained that the catastrophic landslide in Wayanad was caused by a unique hydrological phenomenon where "1 river became 2 rivers," leading to increased erosion and instability, and overwhelming the landscape's natural water absorption capacity.
Kerala Government Response to Madhav Gadgil Report
The Kerala government acknowledges environmental conservation's importance, but concerns about restrictive recommendations are raised, potentially disrupting local livelihoods and development projects. The state government is concerned that the recommendations could negatively impact agriculture and development activities, potentially leading to land use restrictions and economic disruption.
Kerala government established a committee led by former Chief Secretary K. Kasturirangan to review the controversial Gadgil Report, presenting a 2013 report that balanced conservation efforts with development considerations. The Kerala government has cautiously implemented the Kasturirangan Report's recommendations, aiming for a balanced approach that balances environmental protection with local community needs.
The Gadgil Report in Kerala had sparked public and political debate, with environmentalists supporting its recommendations for Western Ghats preservation and local politicians and community groups expressing concerns.
Oversight By the Kerala Government
Kerala has implemented regulations to manage construction in eco-sensitive areas, including Wayanad, prone to landslides. The Meppadi panchayat, where significant landslides occurred, was designated as an eco-sensitive zone in 2013, but a draft memorandum outlining specific regulations has not been officially notified.
Inconsistent regulations and construction activities in vulnerable areas have increased risks, leading to landslides causing extensive damage and loss of life. Human activities like deforestation and unregulated construction have increased the frequency of landslides, making the region more susceptible to heavy rainfall, emphasizing the need for sustainable land use changes.
Hazard mapping is crucial for identifying vulnerable zones and guiding future construction in landslide-prone areas. Utilizing remote sensing and GIS technology is essential. Community awareness and training are crucial for educating locals about landslide risks, construction regulations, and disaster preparedness initiatives.
The government is implementing long-term mitigation strategies like reforestation and improved drainage systems to reduce landslide risks, but strict construction regulations and monitoring are also necessary to ensure safety.
Conclusion
The Wayanad landslide highlights the devastating impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities. Addressing root causes and implementing measures to prevent similar disasters is crucial. Sustainable land management, climate adaptation, and improved disaster preparation are essential components of a comprehensive approach to protect Wayanad from climate change and human activities.
The government must learn from this disaster and implement measures to enhance disaster preparedness. Addressing climate change's impact on vulnerable regions like Wayanad is crucial. Comprehensive planning and community engagement can reduce risks associated with future disasters.
Time and again, when the government falters, it is the responsibility of the citizens to remind them of Gadgil’s quote.
"Development should not be pursued at the cost of ecological balance. A sustainable approach to development is one that integrates ecological and social factors."
