Wayanad landslide study: Expert team to submit detailed report on safe and unsafe zones

Kalpetta: Senior scientist John Mathai from the National Centre for Geosciences, leading the team appointed by the State Disaster Management Authority to inspect the landslide-hit areas in Wayanad on Tuesday, stated that a detailed evaluation of the site will be carried out.

He noted that a report categorising landslide-prone areas in Wayanad into 'safe' and 'unsafe' zones will be submitted to the government.

Mathai and his team will also inspect downhill areas affected by recent landslides, including Chooralmala and Mundakkai, to determine the causes and epicentres of the landslides. The goal is to complete the study swiftly, submit the findings to the government, and then visit the new township being established for rehabilitation.

"The report will be submitted after assessing which areas are safe, which are vulnerable, and if there are any potential future problems. The team will first focus on the damaged areas, conducting inspections over the next two to three days. The six-member team will then collaborate to finalise their findings and present the report to the government," he said.

According to him, Wayanad has many landslide-prone areas, and heavy rain—more than 300 mm—can increase the risk of landslides. He emphasised the need for a detailed classification of these areas. He also addressed concerns about housing, stating that undamaged houses in identified safe areas can be used if they meet safety criteria.

The expert team includes CWRM (Centre for Water Resources and Management) Principal Scientist Dr T. K. Drissia, Surathkal NIT Associate Professor Dr Sreevalsa Kolathayar, District Soil Conservation Officer Tara Manoharan, and Kerala Disaster Management Authority Hazard and Risk Analyst P. Pradeep.