• On July 30, 2024, landslides hit Mundakkai and Chooralmala villages in Wayanad, Kerala.
• The disaster is considered one of the deadliest in India, exposing vulnerabilities in disaster management. 

Changing Disaster Profile of Kerala:

• Historically, Kerala was considered a relatively disaster-free zone, protected by its geography (Western Ghats to the east and the sea to the west).
• Over the years, development activities, deforestation, and increasing population density in hilly areas have led to frequent disasters, including floods, landslides, and coastal erosion.
• The 2018 floods were termed the “floods of the century,” attributed to climate change by the World Meteorological Organization.
• Increased coastal erosion and rising sea levels further aggravate the state’s vulnerability. 

Vulnerability of Wayanad:

• Wayanad is situated on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and is geologically prone to landslides due to deep gorges and tectonic factors.
• Tremors often accompany landslides in this region, as evidenced during the July 2024 landslides.
• Recurring landslides call for a more comprehensive understanding and mapping of the region’s geological characteristics. 

Need for Scientific Reappraisal:

• Current assessments of landslides in Wayanad are oversimplified, focusing on slope, soil thickness, and rainfall.
• A nuanced, scientific approach is required that includes mapping geological setups, soil characteristics, drainage patterns, human activities like mining, and land use changes.
• Landslide inventory maps, along with susceptibility maps, are crucial for identifying at-risk zones and issuing timely warnings. 

Impact of Climate Change:

• The warming of the Arabian Sea and rising sea surface temperatures have increased the risk of extreme weather events in Kerala, including cyclones and heavy monsoons.
• The heat content of the Indian Ocean has rapidly risen, contributing to cyclogenesis in the Arabian Sea.
• Cyclone Ockhi in 2017 was one of the most severe cyclones to hit Kerala in recent memory, underscoring the growing climate-related risks. 

Paradigm Shift in Disaster Management:

• The current disaster management system in Kerala is reactive, focusing on rescue and rehabilitation, which is insufficient given the growing frequency of disasters.
• There is a need to adopt the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which advocates for a proactive approach encompassing preparedness, resilience, and mitigation.
• Disaster risk management should be decentralized, involving local governments, communities, and other stakeholders.

 Concerns and Challenges in Addressing Landslides and Disasters in Kerala

• The average population density in the Western Ghats region of Kerala is above the national average, leading to greater human exposure to natural disasters.
• There is a gap in scientific understanding of the geological and environmental factors contributing to landslides in Kerala.
• Local communities, who are often the first responders in disasters, are not adequately engaged in disaster risk management planning.
• Although technologies like remote sensing, GIS, and early warning systems are available, their implementation is limited, especially in rural and remote areas.
• Investments in disaster risk reduction, particularly in enhancing infrastructure resilience and scientific research, remain inadequate.
• Development projects, including large-scale infrastructure and mining, are often prioritized over environmental sustainability, leading to environmental degradation and increased disaster risk. 

International Best Practices for Disaster Management and Landslide Mitigation

• Japan has one of the most advanced early warning systems for landslides, earthquakes, and tsunamis. The Japan Meteorological Agency uses real-time weather data, geological assessments, and seismic information to issue early warnings to the public.
• Switzerland implements a range of structural measures to prevent landslides, including constructing retaining walls, afforestation, terracing, and installing drainage systems to reduce water seepage into slopes.
• In California, various agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), work together to monitor landslides. They use geospatial data, satellite imagery, and advanced hydrological models to predict and monitor landslide events.
• New Zealand has a strong emphasis on community-led disaster risk assessments, where local communities actively participate in mapping hazards and vulnerabilities. 

Key Recommendations:

• Disaster Risk Zones: Kerala should create detailed disaster risk zones based on multiple physical and social criteria within a socio-ecological framework.
• Community Involvement: A community-based disaster risk management model should be implemented, engaging local communities in disaster planning and response.
• Collaborative Approach: A quadruple helix model involving community organizations, academia, government, and business is suggested to create a robust disaster management framework.
• Integration in Development: Disaster risk management should be integrated into local development plans to build resilience and reduce long-term risks. 

The increasing frequency and intensity of disasters in Kerala necessitate a shift from reactive disaster management to a more comprehensive, proactive, and community-driven approach. By adopting scientifically informed practices and engaging local communities, Kerala can better mitigate the risks of future disasters and improve overall resilience.