“Devastation in Meppadi: Uncovering the Tragic Landslides of Kerala’s Wayanad District”

In the early hours of July 30, the Meppadi panchayat in Kerala’s Wayanad district was struck by a devastating tragedy. Relentless rainfall triggered two deadly landslides that claimed the lives of 231 people while leaving 128 individuals still missing. The aftermath of the disaster was horrifying, with victims being found in pieces and a total of 205 body parts recovered.

The landslides wreaked havoc on about 400 houses in the villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Attamala, completely destroying them as they were washed away by a torrent of water, mud, boulders, and gravel from the upstream epicenter of the landslides.

This recent catastrophe adds to the series of natural disasters that have plagued Kerala in recent years, including the 2018 deluge that caused extensive damage estimated at Rs 40,000 crore and the 2019 landslides in Wayanad and Malappuram districts that claimed 75 lives. The proximity of the current disaster site to the previous landslides in Puthumalai highlights the vulnerability of the region to such calamities.

Kerala’s plight has been attributed to the impacts of climate change, with the state bearing the brunt of a crisis it has had little role in creating. While some have pointed fingers at factors such as reduced forest cover and the presence of stone quarries, the reality is that Kerala is a victim of the changing climate patterns that have been predicted by experts for years.

The intensity of the rainfall that preceded the landslides was staggering, with 372 mm of rain falling in the 24 hours leading up to the second landslide. This extreme weather event is in line with the projections made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which warned of increased heavy precipitation and flooding in regions like Africa and Asia.

Contrary to popular belief, Wayanad actually boasts a significant forest cover, with 74.2% of its land area under forest. The claims of forest loss and quarry activities being responsible for the disaster are unfounded, as the nearest quarry was over 10 kilometers away from the landslide epicenter.

As Kerala grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, it is crucial for the state to focus on mitigating the impacts of climate change and enforcing laws on sustainable land use. The unity displayed by the people of Kerala in times of calamity is commendable, but it is essential for the government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens and take proactive measures to prevent such disasters in the future.

The recent events in Wayanad serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action on climate change and sustainable development. The resilience of the people in the face of adversity is admirable, but it is time for political leaders and policymakers to prioritize the long-term well-being of the state and its residents.