Author : Sanchita Mehra
(Student at Maims, Delhi)
In a tragic turn of events, Wayanad, a picturesque region in Kerala, witnessed one of its worst disasters since the devastating floods of 2018. According to The Hindu, the landslide, which struck at the early hours of the morning, obliterated three villages and claimed the lives of approximately 200 people.
The catastrophe began around 2 AM with heavy rainfall, catching residents off guard as they slept. The first landslide struck suddenly, followed by a second landslide at 4 AM, further compounding the devastation.
The landslides, triggered by incessant rains, particularly affected the villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Attamala, which were almost entirely wiped off the map. Rescue operations have been extremely challenging due to the harsh terrain and continuing adverse weather conditions. Over 1,300 personnel from various agencies, including the Indian Army, have been deployed for search and rescue operations. Despite these efforts, over 275 people have been confirmed dead, with many more still unaccounted for. The situation remains grim as the rescue teams, facing waterlogged soil and debris, continue to search for survivors
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired an emergency meeting to coordinate relief efforts and promised that the state would tap into its experience from previous disasters to aid in the rehabilitation of the affected communities. Special attention is being given to ensure that displaced children can continue their education despite the tragedy. The construction of a Bailey bridge by the Indian Army has also provided a crucial lifeline to connect the worst-hit areas, facilitating faster relief operations (The New Indian Express).
The impact of the Wayanad landslides extends beyond immediate loss and destruction. Thousands of residents have been displaced, with over 9,000 people now residing in relief camps across the district. The affected areas, predominantly tea-plantation regions, were home to many migrant workers who lived in makeshift settlements, making them particularly vulnerable to the landslides. Rescue efforts have been hampered by continuous rainfall, which not only triggered the initial landslides but also continues to threaten further instability in the region. Despite these challenges, the response from local and national agencies has been swift, with extensive efforts underway to provide relief and prevent further casualties
Wayanad landslides: what makes Kerela so vulnerable to disasters?
Kerala’s devastating floods in 2018 and the recent landslides in 2024 highlight the severe environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change and unsustainable development. The 2018 floods were catastrophic, killing 483 people and delivering one-third of the state’s annual rainfall in just three days. This set the stage for future environmental disasters, including the significant landslides in 2024.
Kerala, with 60% of India’s landslides, has seen the worst landslide in its history this year. Climate change is shifting rainfall patterns, moving heavy rains southward, which previously affected the Konkan belt. This shift increases the risk of natural disasters, making it crucial to acknowledge and address climate change to prevent further loss of life.
The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), chaired by ecologist Madhav Gadgil in 2011, identified regions in Kerala, such as Idukki and Wayanad districts, as highly vulnerable and recommended they be classified as Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ-1). This designation would have restricted land use to prevent environmental degradation. However, the Kasturirangan report in 2013 diluted these recommendations, reducing the protected areas and allowing more development activities, which critics argue has led to increased risks of environmental disasters.
Interestingly, the origin of the 2024 landslide was within a forested area where no significant human activity occurred, underscoring the sheer impact of the intense rainfall. This situation highlights the necessity of implementing stricter environmental protections as initially recommended by the Gadgil report.
Why this is happening?
The earth receives heat energy from the sun, much of which is reflected back into space. However, certain gases in the atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases (GHGs)—including carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor, and methane—absorb and retain some of this heat. This natural greenhouse effect acts as an insulating blanket, keeping the earth warm enough to sustain life. Without this, the planet would revert to conditions akin to an ice age.
Human Impact on the Greenhouse Effect:
However, human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution that began 200 years ago, have significantly altered this balance. The advent of new technologies, the establishment of factories, the widespread use of electricity, and the invention of vehicles created an unprecedented demand for energy. This energy primarily came from burning fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—which released vast amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.
In the last 200 years, especially in the past 60-70 years, the concentration of CO2 has risen dramatically. While it took 10,000 years for CO2 levels to reach 280 parts per million (ppm), they have surged by 50% in just the last two centuries, now standing at around 420 ppm. This rapid increase in GHGs is transforming the earth’s natural insulating blanket into a metaphorical “microwave oven,” causing the planet’s temperature to rise.
Current and Future Implications:
As a result of this additional GHG accumulation, global temperatures have already risen by approximately 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels. Experts warn that if current trends continue, global temperatures could increase by 2°C or more, leading to catastrophic consequences. A UN report highlights that by 2050, climate change could displace up to 200 million people within their own countries across six regions: Latin America, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, South Asia, and East Asia and the Pacific.
Specific Threats to India:
For India, the risks are particularly severe. If global temperatures rise by 2-3°C, sea levels could increase enough to submerge major cities like Kolkata and Mumbai. Additionally, the melting of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice, which reduces the earth’s ability to reflect sunlight, could further accelerate global warming. As the oceans absorb more heat, CO2 levels in seawater will rise, leading to acidification, the destruction of coral ecosystems, and more extreme weather events.
Ecological and Environmental Consequences:
The impact of global warming is already evident in the increasing frequency of forest fires, driven by both rising temperatures and deforestation. Pesticide use further exacerbates these environmental challenges. According to the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report, South Asia is particularly vulnerable due to the rapid melting of Tibetan glaciers, which could trigger catastrophic floods and jeopardize food security due to reduced crop yields. The frequency of super cyclones is also expected to rise, further endangering the region.
Future Projections:
UN projections estimate that within the next 25 years, climate change will create 200 million climate refugees globally, with approximately 45 million of them coming from India alone. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for global action to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect vulnerable populations
Steps that should be taken-
1) Take Action on Climate Change: Demand Government Accountability
Citizens must actively question their governments about their plans and actions regarding climate change. Governments should be held accountable for their environmental policies, ensuring they prioritize sustainable practices and comply with international agreements like the Paris Accord. Public scrutiny and continuous dialogue with elected officials are essential to push for effective climate action and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2) Push for Adoption of Green Alternatives
Governments need to be pressured into adopting and promoting green alternatives, such as renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro), and sustainable agricultural practices. Incentives for industries to transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy must be enforced. By encouraging innovation in green technologies and providing financial support for sustainable projects, governments can significantly reduce environmental impacts.
3) Prioritize Pollution Control
The issue of pollution—whether air, water, or soil—must be treated as a top priority. Governments should implement stricter regulations on industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and waste management. Monitoring and enforcement are crucial to ensuring compliance. Tackling pollution will not only improve public health but also contribute to the broader goal of mitigating climate change.
4) Implement Minimum Support Price (MSP) for All Crops to Encourage Diversification
Introducing MSP for a variety of crops beyond the traditional staples will encourage farmers to diversify their crops. Diversification can lead to more resilient agricultural practices, reduce dependency on water-intensive crops, and promote sustainable farming. This policy would also protect farmers from market fluctuations, ensuring a fair income while contributing to environmental sustainability.
5) Restrict Tourism in Eco-Sensitive Areas and Empower Local Communities
Eco-sensitive zones, such as forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats, should have restricted access to prevent environmental degradation. Sustainable tourism practices should be enforced, with a focus on protecting natural resources and biodiversity. Empowering local communities to manage and benefit from tourism can ensure that development does not come at the cost of the environment.
6) Improve City Planning
Urban planning must prioritize sustainability. Cities should be designed with green spaces, efficient public transportation, and waste management systems. Planning should also focus on reducing urban sprawl and encouraging vertical development to preserve natural habitats. Smart city initiatives that integrate technology with sustainability can help in creating resilient urban areas that are better equipped to handle climate impacts
Conclusion-
The Wayanad tragedy is not just a wake-up call—it’s a deafening alarm. Kerala’s most vulnerable communities have paid the ultimate price for our collective negligence towards climate change and environmental degradation. As the earth’s climate continues to warm at an alarming rate, the frequency and severity of such disasters will only increase, leaving devastation in their wake.
But this does not have to be our fate. The choices we make today will shape the future for generations to come. We must demand that our leaders take bold, immediate action to combat climate change, adopt sustainable practices, and protect our most fragile ecosystems. The very survival of our communities, our natural world, and our way of life depends on the steps we take now. This is not just a fight for the environment; it’s a fight for our existence. If we act with urgency, resolve, and compassion, we can build a future where tragedies like Wayanad become a thing of the past—a future where life, in all its diversity, thrives.
Frequent Asked Questions-
1. What caused the devastating landslide in Wayanad, Kerala?
The landslide in Wayanad was primarily triggered by incessant and heavy rainfall. The continuous downpour weakened the soil, causing it to slide and bury three villages, leading to significant loss of life and property.
2. How severe was the impact of the Wayanad landslide?
The landslide obliterated three villages, claiming the lives of approximately 200 people. Rescue operations have been challenging due to the harsh terrain and continuing adverse weather, with over 275 people confirmed dead and many more unaccounted for.
3. Why is Kerala particularly vulnerable to such natural disasters?
Kerala’s vulnerability to natural disasters is heightened by its geographical location and environmental conditions. The state, which accounts for 60% of India’s landslides, has seen an increase in such events due to shifting rainfall patterns caused by climate change, and unsustainable development practices, particularly in ecologically sensitive zones.
4. What role does climate change play in Kerala’s increasing environmental disasters?
Climate change has shifted rainfall patterns, leading to more intense and concentrated downpours in regions like Kerala. This has increased the frequency and severity of floods and landslides, as the state’s infrastructure and natural environment struggle to cope with these changes.
5. Were there any warnings or recommendations to prevent such disasters in Kerala?
Yes, the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) recommended classifying certain regions in Kerala as Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ-1) to restrict land use and prevent environmental degradation. However, these recommendations were diluted by the Kasturirangan report, which allowed more development, increasing the risk of disasters.
6. What steps can be taken to reduce the risk of future disasters in Kerala?
To reduce the risk of future disasters, it’s crucial to implement stricter environmental protections, adopt sustainable land-use practices, restrict tourism in eco-sensitive areas, and hold the government accountable for climate action. Improving city planning and promoting green alternatives can also help mitigate environmental risks.
7. How does the Wayanad tragedy highlight the broader impact of climate change in India?
The Wayanad tragedy underscores the broader implications of climate change in India, where increased temperatures and altered weather patterns are leading to more frequent and severe natural disasters. It also serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global and local action to address climate change.
8. What are the long-term consequences if no action is taken?
If no action is taken, Kerala and other vulnerable regions in India could face even more devastating natural disasters. This could lead to significant loss of life, displacement of communities, and irreversible damage to the environment. The broader impact of climate change could also result in millions of climate refugees, further exacerbating social and economic challenges.
