India (Commonwealth Union)_ In a catastrophic series of events, heavy rains have led to massive landslides in South India’s Kerala state, with the Wayanad district experiencing the most severe impact. At least 116 people have been confirmed dead, and 128 others have sustained injuries after landslides struck the hilly areas around Meppadi on Tuesday morning. Accordingly, the devastating landslides have left hundreds feared trapped, with entire areas swept away.
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The catastrophic damages and loss of lives
The disaster unfolded in the early hours, as torrential rain triggered multiple landslides across Wayanad. According to Kerala Health Minister Veena George, autopsies have confirmed the deaths of 116 individuals, with 128 others hospitalized for treatment. The landslides caused by heavy rains, described as extremely severe, were a significant factor in this calamity. “An entire locality has been wiped out,” stated Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, describing the disaster as heart-wrenching. The landslides struck several villages, including Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, with Chaliyar river potentially washing away many victims.
The timing of the landslides, occurring just before dawn when most residents were asleep, compounded the tragedy. Tea and cardamom estates in the region were hit hard, suffering extensive damage from the landslides and subsequent flooding. Additionally, the impact of landslide in south India’s Kerala state severely affected the local communities. Infrastructure has been heavily damaged, including the damages to the houses, vehicles, roads, and buildings and notably the destruction of a key bridge connecting the affected areas to the town of Chooralmala. The collapse of this bridge has further isolated the affected regions, impeding access and exacerbating the crisis.
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Potential reasons for the landslides
The primary cause of landslide in South India can be attributed to very heavy rainfall that drenched the region. The intense monsoon storms that have battered the area were responsible for saturating the soil, reducing its stability and leading to landslides. Additionally, deforestation, environmental degradation, extreme weather patterns, inadequate infrastructure, rising urbanization, and development projects have also exacerbated the impact, making the region more susceptible to such natural disasters.
Government efforts for search and rescue operations
The rescue operations are being led by multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Army, and the Indian Navy. The Army has set up a control center in Calicut to coordinate relief efforts, while aerial views have been used to assess the scale of the devastation. Despite the efforts, rescue operations are facing significant challenges due to continuous rainfall and blocked paths caused by large boulders. Local officials have set up emergency helplines and are working to move displaced families to temporary shelters. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for continued heavy rains in the region, advising locals and tourists to exercise extreme caution. Additionally, this destruction has complicated rescue and relief operations, with the Indian Army deploying over 200 soldiers and two helicopters to assist in the search-and-rescue efforts.
Government response and compensation
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured full support from the central government. A compensation package has been announced, offering Rs 2 lakh to the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 to those injured. This financial aid aims to provide some relief amid the ongoing crisis. Furthermore, Kerala’s state government has declared two days of mourning in honor of the victims. Additionally, a delegation of five ministers has been dispatched to Wayanad to oversee relief efforts. The government is also working in close coordination with various agencies to ensure that rescue operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.
Extreme weather patterns
This disaster is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events in India. Earlier this month, intense monsoon rains caused severe flooding in Mumbai, and lightning strikes in Bihar resulted in further casualties. Kerala has been particularly vulnerable, having experienced its worst flooding in nearly a century in 2018. Additionally, the 1998 Malpa landslide in the Himalayas, triggered by heavy monsoon rains, remains one of the deadliest landslides in recent decades, with over 220 fatalities.
Accordingly, the recent landslides in South India highlight the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies. Addressing the underlying causes, such as environmental degradation and inadequate infrastructure, is crucial to mitigating the impact of such devastating natural events in the future. Overall, the landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district have brought to light the devastating consequences of very heavy rainfall and inadequate preparedness. The ongoing search-and-rescue efforts, coupled with government support, aim to provide relief and begin the long process of recovery for the affected communities.
