Wayanad Mundakai Disaster: A Catastrophe Fueled by Heavy Rain
The GSI's preliminary investigation points to the relentless rainfall as the immediate cause of the landslide. The region had been experiencing continuous rain since the third week of July, saturating the soil and weakening the land's structural integrity. In the 24 hours before the disaster, Puthumala recorded 372.6 mm of rainfall, while Thattamala experienced an even higher 409 mm. This additional downpour proved too much for the already waterlogged terrain to bear, leading to the catastrophic landslide.
Thiruvananthapuram |The serene and verdant landscape of Wayanad, known for its lush greenery and hilly terrains, was once again ravaged by a devastating landslide in the Mundakai region. The disaster, which struck an area already prone to frequent landslides, underscores the vulnerability of this ecologically sensitive region. The preliminary report from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has revealed that the heavy rainfall in the days leading up to the event was the primary triggering factor for the landslide, exacerbated by the region’s slope and soil structure.
A History of Vulnerability
Since 2018, the Mundakai area, along with nearby regions like Vellarimali, Churalmala, and Puthumala, has been identified as highly susceptible to landslides. In 2019 alone, numerous small and large landslides were recorded, with the Puthumala area being particularly affected. The GSI had conducted studies in 2015-16, which identified Churalmala, Mundaikai, Vellarimala, and Attamala as moderately prone to landslides, while the higher hilly areas were classified as highly prone. Despite these warnings, the region continued to be at risk, culminating in the major disaster at Mundakai.
The Trigger: Torrential Rains
The GSI’s preliminary investigation points to the relentless rainfall as the immediate cause of the landslide. The region had been experiencing continuous rain since the third week of July, saturating the soil and weakening the land’s structural integrity. In the 24 hours before the disaster, Puthumala recorded 372.6 mm of rainfall, while Thattamala experienced an even higher 409 mm. This additional downpour proved too much for the already waterlogged terrain to bear, leading to the catastrophic landslide.
The Impact: A Changed Landscape
The force of the landslide was immense. Following the collapse, a mixture of rocks, soil, mud, and water cascaded down the slope, covering a distance of seven kilometers. The debris flow was so powerful that it altered the course of the Punnapuzha River. According to the GSI report, the slope at the epicenter of the landslide ranged from 25 to 40 degrees, with the topsoil measuring up to five meters thick. This combination of steep gradients and loose, saturated soil contributed significantly to the disaster’s severity.
The Path Forward: A Detailed Investigation
In the wake of the disaster, the GSI has announced plans to conduct a more detailed study of the Mundakai and Churalmala areas. The upcoming investigation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that led to the landslide and assess whether environmental impacts, such as deforestation or unregulated construction, played a role in exacerbating the event. The final report is expected to offer crucial insights into the disaster, guiding future efforts to mitigate the risks of landslides in the region.
A Call for Vigilance
The Wayanad landslide is a grim reminder of the fragile balance between nature and human habitation in ecologically sensitive areas. The GSI’s findings highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable regions like Mundakai from future disasters. This includes stricter land-use policies, better water management practices, and continuous monitoring of areas at risk. As Wayanad rebuilds in the aftermath of the landslide, it is imperative that lessons are learned, and actions are taken to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.