Kerala: Have human activities like deforestation led to landslides?

The death toll from the catastrophic landslides in Wayanad's Meppadi Mundakkai area has risen to 45, with rescue operations going on amidst challenging conditions. Experts suggest that human activities such as agriculture and construction may have exacerbated the risk of landslides in this hilly region.

Also Read: Landslides in Wayanad: Hundreds still trapped, numerous homes destroyed

The landslides struck early on Tuesday, devastating Chooralmala town and causing significant destruction. Rescue personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire brigade, and police are working tirelessly, though many remain trapped and several bodies unidentified.

Recent discoveries along the Chaliyar River, including those of a three-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl, highlight the tragedy's human cost. Bodies have been found in various locations, including under bridges and along riverbanks, with household items like gas cylinders strewn in the water.

Human activities such as irrigation, deforestation, excavation, and water leakage are known to destabilize slopes, increasing the likelihood of landslides. The ongoing deforestation and construction activities in Wayanad could have weakened the region's slopes, making them more susceptible to such disasters.

The rescue efforts face significant hurdles, with the only bridge over the Iruvazhinji River collapsed and helicopters struggling to navigate the hazardous terrain. An Indian Army team from Wellington, Coonoor has been deployed to assist in rescue operations and to construct a temporary bridge.