Kerala Landslide: A Reminder Of How Climate Change Is Impacting Our Lives Now More Than Ever

On Monday, landslides triggered by flash floods struck the hilly region near Meppadi in the Wayanad district. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Wayanad district received more than 140 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours between the mornings of Monday and Tuesday, which is about five times more than expected. 

Not only this, several areas within the district reported more than 300 mm of rainfall during the same period.

That said, it is important to understand that Kerala is a disaster-prone zone. Experts have noted the vulnerability can be attributed to the topography of the southern state. 

Half of the coastal state is covered with hills and mountainous regions, featuring slopes steeper than 20 degrees, which makes them particularly vulnerable to landslides during incessant rain.

Another factor that makes landslides more prevalent in the Western Ghats region of Kerala is the nature of the soil and plant cover. 

The region is dominated by rubber trees, which are not very effective in holding the soil together. Coupled with Kerala's inherent vulnerability to disasters and the increasingly erratic climate conditions, this could lead to more frequent and intense disasters in the future.

Lapses Of The Government In Taking Cognizance

As per the media reports, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) had four years ago recommended that 4,000 families be moved from the eastern slope of the Western Ghats, citing vulnerability to landslides.

However, reports also suggest that Mundukkai Village, which was hit by the landslide, also witnessed a real estate boom in the past two decades. Owing to the unplanned construction in such vulnerable areas, the impact of climate change was exacerbated.

What Could Be The Solution

The centre recently inaugurated the National Landslide Forecasting Centre, as well as launched the Bhusanket Web Portal and Bhooskhalan App. These technological innovations could help make the early warning system, particularly for landslides, more accessible to common people. 

More monetary assistance from the centre for such innovation can help bolster the early warning system in a big way, say experts. 

Aside from this, a loss and damage fund can be set up nationally with adequate measures for replenishment. 

That said, it is important to note that the landslide in Kerala is not a one-off event, rather it underscores how lack of oversight and poor planning exacerbates the effect of climate change.

Climate change is not only making the weather patterns more erratic but experts also believe that it has also had an impact on the frequency and intensity of climatic disasters.

The Other Extreme Weather Events Which Hit India In Recent Times

Heatwaves, Floods in Delhi

The National Capital of India, Delhi, faced the direct impacts of climate change. In June, residents of Delhi experienced extreme heat, with the average temperature soaring to 41.95 degrees Celsius, breaking a 74-year record.

Rainfall came as a relief but wasn’t long-lived. However, the rain spell quickly led to inundated roads and flash flooding. Delhi recorded its highest rainfall since 1936 for June, with 228.1 mm recorded in just 24 hours.

Assam Flooding Due To Overflowing Rivers

In July, Assam yet again reeled as 11 rivers, including the Brahmaputra, flooded for a host of reasons. The vulnerability of Assam's river system and flooding from neighbouring states added to the flood situation in the Brahmaputra valley, resulting in displacement, property damage, and loss of life.

Cyclone In Southern States

In December 2023, Cyclone Michaung hit Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, causing widespread damage. The cyclone had wind speeds of 90-110 kmph, leading to heavy rainfall and flooding in Chennai and fatalities in other southern states.  

Experts link the frequency and intensity of cyclones to climate change.

Sikkim Floods Due To Himalayan Glacial Lake Outburst

In October, a Himalayan glacial lake burst, causing one of Sikkim's worst floods in 50 years. It claimed lives, displaced people, and destroyed bridges, as well as a dam which was billed as the second-largest run-of-the-river hydropower project in the country. This event is seen as directly linked to climate change-induced global warming.

In June, Sikkim witnessed a Deja Vu of the October floods when the state again faced landslides and flashfloods that led to fatalities. The erratic weather patterns can be attributed to climate change.

Chamoli Disaster

In February 2021, Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district experienced heavy flash floods and landslides. Initially, it was thought to be caused by glacial lake outbursts, but satellite images revealed that a landslide caused severe flash floods along the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers.

Uttarakhand continues to be impacted by flash flood landslides, affecting residents and the overall region. Unpredictable weather patterns triggered rain and inadequate city planning exacerbate the situation in the hills.