Kerala’s fragile ecosystem, extreme rainfall, and increasing population are the reasons behind the catastrophic landslides that struck Wayanad district in north Kerala on Monday. This disaster has claimed at least 270 lives and left more than 195 injured.
The magnitude of the Disaster
This event is described as one of the worst disasters in recent memory regarding casualties. It evokes memories of the 2018 flooding disaster that also resulted from excessive rains and claimed more than 500 lives.
What Happened in Wayanad?
Wayanad district experienced over 140 mm of rainfall within 24 hours, about five times the expected amount according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Some areas reported more than 300 mm of rainfall during this period.
Climate experts attribute the landslide to extremely heavy rainfall caused by the warming of the Arabian Sea. A deep mesoscale cloud system formed off the Arabian Sea coast, causing extreme rainfall in Wayanad, Calicut, Malappuram, and Kannur. These clouds were similar to those formed in 2019.
The southeast Arabian Sea is becoming warmer, leading to atmospheric instability over regions including Kerala, and extending rain-laden areas with deep clouds southward, causing excessive rain.
Why is Kerala Prone to Disasters?
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune notes that nearly half of Kerala consists of hills and mountainous regions with slopes greater than 20 degrees, making these areas susceptible to landslides during heavy rains.
Kerala’s terrain and climate make it highly vulnerable to heavy rains and flooding. Experts indicate that 13 districts are prone to landslides, with Alappuzha being the only exception. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has identified 1,848 square kilometres, or 4.75% of the state’s total area, as High Landslide Hazard Zones.
Approximately 8% of the Western Ghats in Kerala is classified as a critical zone for mass movements, including debris flow, landslides, rock falls, and slumps. A study revealed that 13% of Kerala is extremely prone to landslides, with Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Pathanamthitta, and Wayanad being highly vulnerable.
The Western Ghats Ecology Experts Panel (WGEEP), in 2011, classified most of the Idukki and Wayanad districts as category 1 under eco-sensitive zones. However, recommendations were toned down in the 2013 Kasturirangan report.
Reasons for Landslides
Climate change and deforestation are significant factors behind Kerala’s frequent landslides during the rainy season. Changing rainfall patterns and delays in monsoon rains contribute to the issue. Post-disaster investigations consistently point to unprecedented heavy rains as the main cause.
Human activities, particularly in the periphery of Wayanad and Idukki high ranges, are major contributors to landslides. The marginalized communities are the most affected by these natural calamities, bearing the brunt of landslides and floods.
The landslides and floods in Kerala disproportionately impact historically marginalized and vulnerable groups, including women, the elderly, children, persons with disabilities, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and fisherfolk.
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