Tragedy struck Kerala on Tuesday morning, July 30, as three devastating landslides hit the hilly region of Meppadi in Wayanad. The disaster has claimed the lives of over 50 people, with hundreds more feared trapped under the debris. The Wayanad landslides occurred within a span of four hours amidst heavy rainfall, devastating several communities.
In response to the crisis, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority quickly mobilized the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to the affected areas. The Indian Army has also joined the rescue operations, and two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17 and an ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter), have been deployed to assist in the efforts. The worst-affected areas include the villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the incident, stating on social media platform X, “Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones, and prayers are with those injured.” He also assured Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of full support from the central government.
Understanding Landslides and Their Causes
Landslides are sudden movements of rock, earth, or debris down a slope. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), landslides are a form of “mass wasting,” a process where soil and rock move down a slope under the influence of gravity. Landslides can occur abruptly or gradually and can involve various forms of movement, including falls, topples, slides, spreads, and flows. Among the most common types are debris flows, often referred to as mudflows or mudslides, and rockfalls.
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Several factors can trigger landslides, categorized broadly into geology, morphology, and human activity. Geology concerns the characteristics of the materials involved; weak or fractured rocks and soils are more susceptible to landslides. Morphology refers to the physical structure of the land, such as slopes that have lost vegetation due to fire or drought, making them more prone to sliding. Human activities, like deforestation, construction, and improper land use, can also destabilize slopes. In this case, the heavy rainfall in Kerala has exacerbated these conditions, leading to the tragic events.
Why Are Landslides More Common During the Monsoon?
Experts point to climate change as a significant factor contributing to the increasing frequency of landslides, particularly during the monsoon season. Heavy, concentrated rainfall can saturate the ground, reducing soil stability and leading to landslides. Partha Jyoti Das, a researcher at Aaranyak, an environmental non-profit, notes that heavy rains combined with unplanned structural interventions in fragile hilly landscapes can trigger landslides. The loss of vegetation, due to deforestation or other human activities, further destabilizes the soil, making it more vulnerable to landslides.
An IIT Delhi study in 2020 highlighted that heavy rain can destabilize steep slopes with loose soil, causing landslides. Kerala, which has recorded the highest number of major landslides in India over the past seven years, continues to suffer from these disasters during the monsoon season. TV Ramachandra, a scientist, explained that landscape degradation and changing vegetation patterns have reduced the soil’s water absorption capacity, leading to more frequent and severe landslides.
As Kerala grapples with this latest Wayanad landslides, the need for effective disaster management and preventive measures is more crucial than ever.