TRAGEDY that shook WAYANAD

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TRAGEDY  that  shook  WAYANAD:

Catastrophic  Landslides and the Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts

Wayanad, Kerala, 09 August 2024 

 —  Sensei  Raj, 

Search and Rescue and

Disaster Management Professional

The picturesque district of Wayanad, nestled in the lush Western Ghats of Kerala, has been devastated by a series of unprecedented landslides that struck on July 30, 2024. Marking its third major landslide event in recent years, this disaster has wrought unprecedented destruction, claiming at least 480 lives and leaving over 300 individuals missing. The relentless monsoon rains and unrelenting topographical vulnerabilities have converged to create a catastrophe of monumental proportions.

DISASTER  OVERVIEW

Vulnerable to landslides during the monsoons, the fear of landslides always lurked in the background. Combined with unsustainable ways of settlement that had mushroomed almost everywhere lately, contributed to this response from Nature.

The disaster began in the early hours of July 30, around 0118 and continued intermittently with the initial landslide occurring just beyond Kunjrimattam. This was followed by three additional landslides within a span of three hours, exacerbating the crisis,taking a heavy fatal toll, leaving the worst ever carnage in its wake.

The affected regions include Chooralmala, Attamala, Mundakkai, Meppadi, and Kunjrimattam. 

Despite the collapse of a key bridge linking Chooralmala to the nearest town has significantly hampered rescue operations, leaving the affected communities in dire straits.

This is where the Indian Army stepped in, constructed a Bailey bridge under 36 hours, working nonstop and got the rescue operations going.

They even got a rope bridge built and rescued over 1000 people. Hats off to these brave soldiers.

They went over and beyond to comb every village from the source landslide to Chooralmala rescuing survivors and for bodies of the victims.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been providing key weather data that helped plan and calibrate decisions at the operational level by various search parties.

As of 09 August, death toll has crossed 480 Over 270 people remain unaccounted for. The forensic team have been assisting in ascertaining the identity of the recovered bodies and remnants recovered from Search and Recovery operations.

Current Scenario  &  Relief Efforts

The rescue operation has showcased the best of humanity coming together to help the affected and restore connectivity while bringing succour and hope to the affected and survivors. 

This natural disaster has displaced over 7000 individuals, who have been accommodated in 53 relief camps. 

Meppadi Grama Panchayat was also hard-hit, suffering extensive damage. The affected wards are home to approximately 1,721 households, encompassing 4,833 individuals as per the GIS mapping reports

The relentless rains caused severe disruptions, including waterlogging, damage to standing crops, and the destruction of power infrastructure. Five transformers have been either damaged or washed away, leading to widespread power outages. The risk of lightning strikes poses an additional threat, potentially causing further injuries to both people and livestock.

SEARCH  and  RESCUE / RECOVERY OPERATIONS

In response to the disaster, the Indian Army and civilian rescue teams  launched an extensive search and rescue operation. Army personnel, equipped with advanced search and rescue equipment, including Air Operations, worked tirelessly and relentlessly to locate survivors and recover bodies. Despite being hampered by reduced visibility, unrelenting heavy rainfall and treacherous terrain, rescue efforts continued.

Civilian teams, including volunteers from local organizations, are providing critical support, including first aid, food, and temporary shelter.

The rescue operations were overseen by the serene and open minded Inspector General of Police (IGP) coordinating with his Army counterpart the brave fearless highly competent and insightful Colonel from the DHC, and other multiple agencies such as the Police forces from various districts, NDRF, State Disaster Management Authority, and other experts from neighbouring states, with the focus on reaching isolated and hard-to-access areas to rescue people  and recover bodies.

The collaborative efforts of military, government agencies, and local volunteers have made significant strides in managing the crisis even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

CONTRIBUTORY  FACTORS  &  Environmental  Impact

The severity of the landslides can be attributed to several interrelated factors. Wayanad’s susceptibility to landslides is exacerbated by its topography, climatic conditions and geophysical composition.

Recent unsustainable settlement practices have further increased the region's vulnerability. 

Unplanned construction, deforestation, and improper land use have destabilized the natural slopes, leading to an increased likelihood of landslides.

Additionally, the ongoing monsoon rains have intensified soil erosion, further destabilizing the region. 

The collapse of natural drainage systems and the inability of the soil to absorb excessive rainfall have contributed to the catastrophic landslides. 

The combined effect of these factors has not only caused widespread devastation but has also significantly altered the valley's landscape, leading to extensive environmental damage.

IMPACT  on  BIODIVERSITY

The landslides have had a profoundly adverse impact on Wayanad's rich biodiversity.

The Western Ghats are renowned for their unique and diverse ecosystems, including numerous endemic and endangered species.

The landslides have caused significant habitat loss and fragmentation, severely affecting both flora and fauna.

Forests, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance, have been heavily damaged. The destruction of tree cover and soil erosion has led to the loss of critical habitats for wildlife. Species such as the Nilgiri tahr, a mountain goat endemic to the Western Ghats, and the Malabar giant squirrel are at risk due to the disruption of their natural habitat. The loss of vegetation also impacts the local bird population, including species like the Great Hornbill and the Nilgiri flycatcher.

Additionally, the landslides have altered local waterways, leading to sedimentation and changes in water quality. Aquatic species, including endemic fish and amphibians, are affected by these changes, which can disrupt breeding cycles and reduce food availability.

The cascading effects of these landslides on biodiversity underscore the interconnectedness of natural systems.

The destruction of habitats and alteration of ecosystems will have long-term consequences for the region's wildlife and plant life,

highlighting the need for immediate and sustained conservation efforts.

Additional Critical Factors and Impacted Areas

In addition to the above, several other critical elements have contributed to the devastating effects of the Wayanad landslides, and various critical areas have been significantly affected:

1.   Geological  &  Soil Conditions:

Soil Saturation  &  Instability

Prolonged heavy rainfall has led to soil saturation, which reduces the soil's shear strength and increases the likelihood of landslides. The high water content in the soil diminishes its ability to hold onto the hillside, causing it to give way under gravity.

Geological Composition

The region's geological composition, including the presence of loose, unconsolidated material on steep slopes, has exacerbated the landslide risk. The Western Ghats are characterized by a combination of rock types and weathered materials that can become unstable when saturated.

2. Infrastructure and Economic Impact

Transportation and Communication Disruptions

The collapse of key infrastructure such as bridges and roads has severely disrupted transportation and communication. This isolation hampers emergency response, relief distribution, and the movement of essential supplies, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts.

Economic Losses

The destruction of agricultural land and crops, combined with damage to homes and businesses, has led to substantial economic losses. The local economy, heavily reliant on agriculture and informal labor, faces long-term impacts due to reduced productivity and increased financial strain on affected families.

3.   Public Health and Safety

Health    Risks

The landslides and ensuing waterlogging have created conditions conducive to the spread of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and dysentery. Contaminated water sources and inadequate sanitation in relief camps pose significant health risks to displaced populations.

Psychological Impact

After interacting with several hundreds affected by this disaster,

I could feel the depth of their trauma that included loss of family members, homes, and livelihoods.

These have profound psychological effects. Stress, anxiety, and depression, post traumatic stress disorder are prevalent among the affected communities, necessitating immediate psychological support and professional and structured interventions.

4. Environmental Degradation

Erosion and Sedimentation

The landslides have increased soil erosion and sedimentation in local rivers and streams. This not only affects water quality but also impacts downstream ecosystems and communities that depend on these water sources for drinking, agriculture, and other uses.

Altered Watercourses

The displacement of soil and debris has led to altered watercourses, potentially causing flooding in areas previously unaffected. This can exacerbate the impact on communities and infrastructure downstream.

5.   Cultural  and  Social  Impact:

Displacement of Communities

The displacement of entire communities, including local residents and migrant laborers, can disrupt social structures and cultural practices. The loss of homes and communal spaces affects social cohesion and community identity. But, the local social cohesive strength is quite strong and can bounce back sooner than later.

6.   AGRICULTURAL   IMPACT

Crop  and  Livestock  Losses

The destruction of farmland and the loss of livestock have immediate and long-term effects on food security and livelihoods. The damage to crops and the death of animals disrupt agricultural productivity and exacerbate food scarcity in the region.

S U M M A R I Z I N G

The landslides in Wayanad represent a tragic convergence of natural and human factors. As rescue efforts have just ended, with a significantly smaller team staying back for ongoing Recovery and Relief and Rebuilding efforts, it is imperative to address the underlying issues contributing to such disasters. 

Sustainable development practices, effective land use planning, and enhanced early warning systems are crucial in mitigating the impact of future landslides. The ongoing relief efforts underscore the resilience and solidarity of the affected communities and the broader support network of the nation that stands with them in this time of crisis.

The landslides in Wayanad highlight a multifaceted crisis with far-reaching implications beyond immediate loss of life and property. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses geological assessment, infrastructure repair, public health measures, environmental conservation, and support for affected communities. The disaster underscores the need for integrated disaster management strategies and resilience-building efforts to mitigate future risks and support recovery in affected areas.

The best solution I can see is to prevent such disasters from happening by adopting sustainable practices with a triple bottom line approach.

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About the Author

Sensei  Raj  is a Search and Rescue diver and mountaineer trained in a multitude of skills in survival and search and rescue. Also, he has extensive experience in Disaster management, having led and assisted in 6 major disasters, and having done damage assessment, as an independent and neutral observer.

Sensei Raj is on the ground in Wayanad to assist in the aftermath of the disastrous landslide that has turned into a natural calamity.

Sensei  Raj  is a Planetary Wellness and Earth Integrity activist, whose initiatives are at the intersection of responsible human evolution and world peace & harmony and eradication of human trafficking.

Sensei founded Global Changemakers Network and Restore Global 360 to bring together communities for this very reason.

He is a search & rescue mountaineer and diver, Disaster management expert, a former footballer. Sensei has a degree in engineering and consults in diverse areas including AI and it's ethical integration in our progress.

Sensei speaks on human activation, and pressing global issues that confront us today.

He does Mental Strength training for elite athletes, assists sports teams in achieving peak performance, and advises startups in diverse realms.

E-mail: RestoreGlobal360@gmail.com

Website:  www.RestoreGlobal360.com

Follow on LinkedIn:  www.LinkedIn.com/in/senseiraj

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