The year 2024 sure saw many disasters, especially the disastrous landslides from Yunnan in China to Papua New Guinea in May that killed over 2,000 even from Sulawesi Island in Indonesia to Wayanad in Kerala in July. The death toll of the landslide that occurred in Wayanad district has reached about 276 with at least 240 people still missing and 200 people being injured. Landslides are not usually considered to be as devastating as storms, droughts, or floods however the Wayand landslide was one of the most disastrous events ever occurred in India. The frequency of landslides is now also increasing which is causing rising concern among people. Let’s take a look at the Wayanad landslide and what could have been the preventive measure that could have changed the course of events.
Causes of Landslides
While landslides are quite a frequent event, the Wayanad landslide had quite a few reasons why it happened. Here is a list of causes of a landslide in Wayanad.
Natural Factors
There are a lot of causes of landslides when it comes to natural factors playing a role. Here are a few of the natural factors that are responsible.
- Erosion – Vegetation and clay present in the soil or rock act as a cohesive element that usually binds the particles together. By removing such elements there are high chances of landslides occurring.
- Volcanic Eruptions – Debris and ash which are deposited by volcanic eruptions tend to overload the slopes while causing instability due to seismic activity. All these together tend to trigger landslides.
- Heavy rainfall – Heavy rainfall is surely one of the most common triggers of landslides and it also increases water pressure and weight of soil making it saturated.
Human Activities
Some human activities also do directly or indirectly affect the occurrence and magnitude of landslides. Some of the activities that could lead to the same can be provided as follows:
- Deforestation – By holding soil as well as obstructing the flow of falling debris, vegetation tends to play an important role in preventing landslides in a lot of areas. Deforestation hence takes away this protective covering which may increase vulnerability to landslides.
- Uncontrolled excavation – Poorly planned excavation activities such as quarrying, mining, etc. usually destabilize the slope and hence increase the chances of landslides.
- Climate change – Climate change caused by human factors has led to alterations in the rain pattern and increased the frequency of extreme weather events.
Impact on the Region
The impact on the region where the landslide occurs could be quite damaging and could also involve loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of natural resources. Here are a few of the other impacts on the region that have occurred.
Loss of Life and Property
Landslides could cause significant loss of property and life. They could even bury roads, houses, and other infrastructure which could eventually lead to injuries and fatalities. In some cases, the landslides could also destroy the entire community which is true in the case of the Wayanad landslide.
Environmental Consequences
Landslides could also cause significant environmental damage. They could also alter natural watercourses, which could lead to erosion and flooding. Landslides can also damage ecosystems by destruction of wildlife habitats and vegetation.
Preventive Measures
One of the easiest ways to prevent landslides is surely to avoid building in areas that are or might likely become prone to landslides. However, at times, this is not an option so assessments need to be made often to check the condition of the areas. Checking surface drainage is also one of the ways to prevent landslides. Here are a few other initiatives that could help prevent landslides.
Government Interventions
There need to be government interventions that can prevent mudslides or rocks from damaging physical infrastructure. To prevent landslides local government bodies should take action to install protective structures such as setting up proper drainage, designing debris pathways, and educating constituents on responsive protocols related to landslides.
Community Initiatives
People can save a lot of time and money if the communities are prepared well in advance to face disasters. To prepare the communities means to be aware of their social, physical, or economic vulnerabilities. Measures such as planting vegetation on a slope, controlling soil erosion, repairing buildings, and directing surface runoffs are all initiatives that can be taken by communities.
Conclusion
Landslides are sure one of the most significant natural hazards that could have multiple devastating effects on human lives, the environment, and infrastructure. However, understanding the causes and effects of landslides could help prevent them. Governments and communities can also work together to develop warning systems and reduce the impact on humans.
FAQ
What are the primary causes of landslides in Wayanad?
The primary causes of landslides in Wayanad include heavy rainfall, deforestation, unstable soil conditions, and improper land use practices. The region’s hilly terrain combined with excessive rainfall often triggers landslides, especially in areas where vegetation cover has been removed.
How does deforestation contribute to the occurrence of landslides in Wayanad?
Deforestation leads to the loss of tree roots that bind the soil together, increasing the likelihood of soil erosion and landslides. In Wayanad, the removal of forest cover for agriculture or construction weakens the soil structure, making it more susceptible to sliding during heavy rains.
What are the immediate impacts of a landslide on the local communities in Wayanad?
The immediate impacts of a landslide on local communities in Wayanad include the destruction of homes and infrastructure, loss of life, displacement of residents, and disruption of transportation and communication networks. Landslides can also contaminate water sources and lead to long-term environmental degradation.
What measures can be taken to prevent future landslides in Wayanad?
Preventive measures include reforestation, implementing proper land use practices, constructing retaining walls, and improving drainage systems to manage water runoff. Raising awareness among local communities about the risks and signs of landslides is also crucial for effective disaster management in Wayanad.
