Widespread Landslides and Rainfall in Kerala
Two years after devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala experienced fresh landslides, mudslides, and flooding due to exceptionally heavy rainfall on August 1, killing at least six people and leaving many feared missing.
Weather Alerts and Emergency Measures
- The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for several districts including Idukki, Kottayam, and Wayanad, warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds.
- Kerala's Chief Minister directed district collectors to undertake emergency response measures and coordinate rescue operations.
- The IMD noted an offshore trough from south Gujarat to Kerala, strong southwesterly winds, and a robust north-south pressure gradient as factors strengthening the monsoon flow.
Rainfall and Landslide Dynamics
- On that day, 53 out of 109 IMD stations recorded more than 7 cm of rainfall, with some stations experiencing "extremely heavy" rainfall, defined as more than 20.4 cm in 24 hours.
- Landslides are common in mountainous terrains, caused by factors such as rainfall, earthquakes, and anthropogenic activities.
Kerala's Vulnerability to Landslides
- Kerala's landslide risk is concentrated along the Western Ghats, particularly in central and northern districts.
- Professor KS Sajinkumar explained that intense rainfall water infiltrates loose soil, weakens the soil-rock interface, and increases slope failure likelihood.
Geographical and Human Factors
- The ISRO's landslide atlas highlighted Kerala's disproportionate landslide fatalities, despite fewer events compared to the Himalayas.
- Human interventions such as quarrying and monocropping in plantations have exacerbated slope instability.
Development vs. Ecological Protection
- The 2011 Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel recommended strict regulation of ecological sensitive areas, but faced opposition from states.
- The Kasturirangan Committee proposed a smaller Ecologically Sensitive Area with less stringent regulations, sparking ongoing debates on balancing development with ecological protection.
In conclusion, Kerala's landslide events highlight the complex interplay of natural and human factors and the need for sensitive management of vulnerable regions.
