Last year, C.K. Vishnudas, director of the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology in Wayanad, had warned the local administration about the potential for catastrophic landslides in the district.
However, a combination of factors—including administrative laxity—contributed to the high death toll and large-scale destruction in the Mundakkai and Chooralmala villages when devastating landslides struck on July 30, 2024.
As early as 2018–19, the Hume Centre had mapped all landslide-prone locations in Wayanad and developed a landslide susceptibility map that took into account terrain slope and other critical factors. They had also pioneered a unique model of community-based rainfall observation.
On the first anniversary of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala disaster that shook Kerala, Vishnudas spoke to THE WEEK about how areas like Mundakkai and Chooralmala remain highly vulnerable. He also reflected on the lessons learned by both the administration and the people of Wayanad, in terms of disaster preparedness.
Could you explain the current vulnerability of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala area? What’s the situation now?
The area continues to be highly vulnerable. This monsoon too, we witnessed significant slumping on that side, and we expect such instability to persist over the next three to four years.
While we can't predict the exact magnitude of future events—they could be minor or severe—we must expect recurring activity.
C.K. Vishnudas
The base of the slope has already weakened, while the upper section, burdened by vegetation and weight, is prone to collapse. During periods of extremely heavy and sustained rainfall, when the soil becomes highly saturated, landslides are likely.
This year, the monsoon began early (around May 24). By May 28, we had already crossed 1,000mm of intense rainfall. A minor landslip occurred soon after. This is a historically sensitive region.
Since 1984, the area has seen repeated landslides. Once such activity begins on these slopes, it tends to continue for years. Kurichiarmala in Wayanad is a good example—its first major landslide happened in 2018, and this year again, significant slumping was reported there. The soil continues to give way.
This marks the sixth consecutive year of slope failure. Once slope stability is compromised in high mountain areas, recurring failures become the norm.
How did this year’s rainfall pattern compare with that from last year?
It was quite similar. Last year, the rainfall was consistent, with no long breaks. This year, too, we experienced three to four intense rain peaks. The volume of rain reached landslide-triggering thresholds, and minor landslides began in multiple locations.
Fortunately, a brief pause in rainfall allowed some breathing room. That gap helped reduce water run-off and manage the situation more effectively.
This year also saw better coordination with the District Disaster Management Authority. We were included in a dedicated committee at the Collectorate level, which was a positive step. Preparedness efforts began as early as April.
As part of those efforts, all department staff, village officers, and revenue officials up to the level of the Tahsildar were instructed to attend four technical sessions with us. These sessions focused on Wayanad’s vulnerabilities—identifying high-risk zones, rainfall thresholds, and key monitoring locations.
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On days with rainfall or alerts, we held DARS (Daily Assessment and Response Strategy) meetings led by the District Collector. These included officials from the district panchayat, all Tahsildars, and village officers. Each location was assessed based on real-time data, and daily decisions were made accordingly.
We also ramped up our monitoring infrastructure. Over 150 additional rain gauges were installed this year, taking the total to around 300-350. We also placed about 20 automated gauges in remote mountain areas to capture hourly rainfall data, which is essential for timely decisions.
This data proved extremely helpful in evening meetings, allowing us to assess rainfall patterns quickly and initiate timely evacuations. For instance, we successfully evacuated people 3-4 times this season, in places like Sugandhagiri and Mundakkai. In Mundakkai, where many plantation workers still live, we anticipated the risk early and moved people out in time.
Overall, the district administration was far better prepared this year.
Still, the rainfall was intense. The soil across the region became quickly saturated due to the pace and volume of the rains, increasing the landslide risk significantly.
Apart from Mundakkai, what are other highly vulnerable areas in Wayanad right now?
Currently, areas requiring close monitoring include the slopes of Kurichiarmala, the Sugandhagiri region, the lower reaches of Chembra, and the Thollayiram Kandi stretch—which also attracts considerable tourist activity.
Mountain trekking and jeep off-roading are common in these zones, which are extremely prone to heavy rainfall and slope instability. Other vulnerable regions include Makkimala in Mananthavady, where we observed minor slumping this season: almost like a small-scale slip. In fact, on one occasion, the area experienced an extreme rainfall event, recording nearly 250mm in a single day.
The government is planning to build a tunnel to Wayanad, but there’s growing concerns about the project. What are the reasons behind these concerns?
Given that the region is already highly sensitive, many have strongly opposed the project. It has sparked a long-standing debate, with several stakeholders expressing concerns.
The proposed site lies within a high-conservation zone, and many are calling for the project to be shifted to a less ecologically fragile location.
Is there a viable alternative you would suggest?
Yes. Many people in Wayanad have pointed out that instead of constructing a new tunnel, the focus should be on improving existing road infrastructure. For instance, the Thamarassery–Bathery road can be widened to ease traffic flow.
Another alternative is the Kuttiady Pass Road, which already offers faster access to Wayanad and runs through areas with fewer ecological sensitivities. If absolutely necessary, a small tunnel could be constructed along this route—with minimal excavation—just enough to improve connectivity without major environmental disruption.
Have you observed a change in the attitude of people to landslide warnings and also in analysing the rain patterns keenly?
I sense a shift in public mentality.
One of the most noticeable changes is how local communities are now independently building their understanding of rainfall patterns. When we approach people, many already know how much rain has fallen in their area.
This awareness has made a real difference. For instance, this time when 200mm of rain was recorded, several residents themselves said: “We’ve received this much rain—please relocate us quickly.”
That kind of proactive response was especially evident in the Sugandhagiri area, where we were working at a micro-level.
Sugandhagiri is a tribal hamlet where we installed rain gauges much more densely than usual. Typically, we place one or two gauges across 25 square kilometres. But here, we installed two within a single square kilometre. That gave us highly localised data on rainfall across different slopes.
As a result, people were able to say, “We’ve crossed 200 mm—this might be the time to move.” They’re now understanding the risks and responding accordingly.
That information helped us carry out timely evacuations at night.
So yes, a solid mechanism is now in place, and if we continue to focus on these highly sensitive zones, this kind of local knowledge and preparedness will only grow stronger.
