Detailed Analysis of the Wayanad Landslides and the Impact of Climate Change.
Overview
On August 1, the death toll from a series of devastating landslides in Wayanad district, Kerala, surged to 276, with at least 240 people still missing and around 200 injured. These figures, initially reported by local media, are feared to rise as rescue operations continue.
The calamity has highlighted the severe consequences of climate change and human interference, leading to intensified natural disasters in India and across Asia.
Climate Change and Its Role
Experts attribute the increase in such natural disasters to climate change, primarily driven by human activities such as fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and unplanned urban development. The excess heat generated by global warming results in more intense and unpredictable rainfall, which in turn causes catastrophic events like landslides.
In 2021, India was ranked eighth in the Climate Change Performance Index, which evaluates 63 countries responsible for 92% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This position underscores the urgent need for India to adopt measures that mitigate climate change impacts.
Human Interference and Its Effects
Human activities exacerbate the risks associated with natural disasters. In regions like Wayanad, unplanned construction, road formation, hill cutting, and encroachments destabilize the land, making it more prone to landslides. High-intensity rainfall, a common occurrence due to climate change, further aggravates these issues.
Case Study: Jimut
The situation in Wayanad is not unique. Similar disasters have occurred across India. For instance, in Jimut, 65% of houses were affected by land subsidence last year. Such events are often blamed on climate change but are also significantly influenced by human activities like deforestation and unscientific development practices.
Policy and Planning
Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated effort among policymakers, civil society, and stakeholders. Effective land management strategies, informed by geological surveys, are essential to identify and protect vulnerable areas. The Geological Survey of India and state agencies have conducted studies to determine landslide-prone zones, but their findings must be integrated into practical land use policies.
Lessons from the Tragedy
The recent landslide disaster in Wayanad highlights the need for sustainable development that respects natural systems. Unplanned growth and development without adequate environmental consideration lead to such catastrophic events. The GGI committee report has explicitly stated that no new construction should occur in highly vulnerable zones like Mundai in Wayanad district, yet these recommendations are often ignored.
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Impact of Unscientific Development
The planning of large-scale infrastructure projects, such as a six-lane national highway parallel to the Western Ghats, poses significant risks. Additionally, the rise in adventure tourism has led to the construction of home stays and tourist centers on risky slopes, further endangering lives.
Satellite Imagery and Damage Assessment
Satellite images from the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), a key ISRO center, have unveiled the extensive damage in Wayanad. High-resolution images from the RISAT (Radar Imaging Satellite) and Cartosat-3 show that approximately 86,000 square meters of land slipped away. The resulting debris flow traveled about 8km along the Iruvaiphuzha river, devastating towns and settlements.
The NRSC report indicates that the landslide originated at an altitude of 1,550 meters above sea level near Chooralmala town. This area had previously experienced a landslide, underscoring its vulnerability. The debris flow widened the river, causing significant damage to houses and infrastructure along its banks.
Landslide Atlas of India
In February 2023, ISRO released the Landslide Atlas of India, documenting around 80,000 landslides across 17 states and two Union Territories from 1998-2022. The atlas ranks 147 districts based on landslide exposure and socio-economic factors, highlighting the vulnerability of regions like Wayanad.
Triggering Factors of Landslides
Landslides are primarily caused by two types of factors: conditioning and triggering. Conditioning factors include soil topography, geomorphology, and slope angles, which make certain areas more susceptible. Triggering factors include intense rainfall and human activities like deforestation and unplanned construction.
Specific Factors in Kerala
In Kerala, plantation farming significantly contributes to landslides. Large, native trees that stabilize the soil are often replaced with plantation crops like tea and coffee, which have shallow roots. This makes the soil more prone to erosion and landslides.
Heavy Rainfall and Atmospheric Conditions
Research by Dr. S Abhilash and his team at the Cochin University of Science and Technology found that mesoscale convective cloud clusters produce intense rainfall in short periods, increasing the likelihood of landslides. Continuous heavy rainfall, followed by a day of extremely heavy rain, set the conditions for the Wayanad landslide.
Call for Sustainable Development
The recent disaster in Wayanad serves as a stark reminder of the need for sustainable development that considers environmental impacts. Policymakers, developers, and communities must prioritize resilience-building measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and prevent future tragedies.
Conclusion
The Wayanad landslides underscore the critical need for comprehensive strategies to address both environmental and human factors contributing to natural disasters. By integrating scientific research, sustainable development practices, and effective land management policies, India can build resilience and protect vulnerable communities from the increasing threats posed by climate change.
Author of 'Simplified Approaches to Corporate Accounting' and 'Simplified Approaches to Financial Accounting - 'Reinventing learning on Accounting'
3 个月It is self made disaster that the mankind has inflicted upon itself by unchecked interventions, often in the violation of the rules. Rampant unchecked stone quarries and construction near protected forests in hilly areas by deforestation, uncontrolled sand mining, construction of dams which were not subject to pre and post monsoon inspection, and establishment of red flag factories are the causes of destruction of nature without any regard for the environment. Forests and grasslands act as a super sponge, soaking up excess rain. The relief and rescue response by Indian Army and other organizations in Wayanad has been exemplary. Big salute to those involved in rescue operations.