Two years on, Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide victims carry memories but choose hope

Two years after one of Kerala's worst natural disasters destroyed the hill hamlets of Chooralmala and Mundakkai, survivors are still living with profound loss while trying to rebuild their lives.

The landslide of July 30, 2024, officially claimed 330 lives, including 32 people who were initially reported missing and later declared dead. Entire settlements were buried under mud, rocks and floodwaters, leaving hundreds homeless and permanently altering the landscape of Wayanad.

On the second anniversary of the disaster, survivors gathered at both the disaster site and the government's rehabilitation township to offer prayers, light candles and remember those who never returned.

For many families, the grief remains overwhelming. Some never recovered the bodies of their loved ones and were denied the chance to bid a final farewell. Even today, heavy rain and dark clouds revive memories of that terrifying night, when desperate cries for help echoed across the hills and residents fought to escape.

Yet, alongside the grief, signs of recovery have begun to emerge.

Children now play in streets that did not exist two years ago. Among them is Rithu, born after her pregnant mother, Sindhu, narrowly escaped the landslide. Their new home in the rehabilitation township has become a symbol of hope for a family that survived unimaginable tragedy.

Many other displaced families are also rebuilding lives they once believed had been lost forever.

Marking the anniversary, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid tribute to the district's resilience in a social media post.

"Two years since the tragedy that devastated the people of Chooralmala and Mundakkai, we pay homage to the bravery and resilience of the people of Wayanad," she wrote.

Renewing her support for survivors, she added: "We renew our pledge to stand by them in the courageous fight to rebuild their lives and provide them with comfort as they carry deep wounds of loss in their hearts."

Township expansion slows despite rehabilitation progress

While families have begun settling into new homes, construction of the rehabilitation township is progressing more slowly than planned.

The first phase saw 178 houses handed over in March. The township is planned to include 410 houses, while the current beneficiary list contains 327 families, although it has not yet been finalised.

A further 149 families on the existing list are still waiting to receive houses. Authorities have said construction of the remaining homes, an anganwadi, community centre, market and other supporting facilities will be completed by October, but work has not progressed at the expected pace.

Construction slowed significantly after elections were announced shortly after the first phase was completed. A large number of migrant workers returned to their home states and many have yet to return. Daily workforce numbers, which had once reached around 1,500, fell to fewer than 400 in recent months.

Even during relatively dry months, progress remained slow. Since the onset of the monsoon, rain has created fresh challenges, with piled-up soil from construction sites washing into nearby residential areas and delaying road works.

Of the 149 houses expected to be handed over in October, structural work on 26 is still incomplete. Construction has not yet begun in the second zone, while only preliminary work has started on the market building. Many completed structures are still undergoing plastering, painting, tiling and plumbing work.

Chief Operative Officer E.T. Rakesh said 157 units, including houses for the remaining 149 beneficiary families, are expected to be completed by October 10. Roads and other supporting infrastructure are scheduled for completion by December 31.

He also said land has been handed over for the construction of a school and hospital.

Memorial services to honour victims

Commemorative events are being held across Meppadi on Thursday as families remember those who died in the disaster.

From 7 am, relatives are gathering at Hridaya Bhoomi in Puthumala to offer floral tributes at the graves of their loved ones and pray for their eternal peace.

The remembrance programme has been jointly organised by the Meppadi Grama Panchayat and the district administration as part of the second anniversary observance. Following an all-faith prayer meeting, Agriculture Minister T. Siddique will deliver the memorial address.

District Collector D.R. Meghashree, senior officials, religious leaders, social and cultural representatives, volunteers and elected representatives are also expected to attend.

Floral tributes are also being organised at the rehabilitation township, where photographs of those who died in the landslide will be displayed in B Cluster of Zone One.

New lives take root despite lasting scars

Flowers bloom outside many homes in the rehabilitation township, reflecting the quiet optimism of families beginning again.

While waiting for the school bus, sisters Devika and Nainika gently admired the flowering plants outside their home.

"Even seeing a flower bud bloom brings us happiness," said Jaseela as she arranged flower pots outside her house.

For many residents, these small moments represent hope returning after immense loss.

Life has changed in other ways too.

"Although we now live in the township, our hearts are still in Chooralmala and Mundakkai," said C.K. Vijayan. "We are safe here and have all the facilities. Life is on a new track. But nothing can replace our old life."

Vijayan, who once worked on his farmland in Chooralmala, now works in a shop because farming is no longer possible. Many other survivors have adapted by finding new occupations, running small businesses or working as taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers.

During the day, the township becomes quieter as adults leave for work and children travel to school, most of them by school bus.

Fifth-standard student Avantika said she was happy to return to Vellarmala School and reunite with her classmates.

The landslide claimed the lives of her parents and brother. She now lives with her grandparents and uncle after recovering from serious injuries suffered during the disaster. The physical scars have begun to fade, but her story reflects the resilience shared by many children in the township.

Young Naisa proudly showed her colouring book to her mother, Jaseela, after she returned from work.

"Mother, look at this fish. I coloured it. I also coloured the turtle and rabbit. The deer picture got torn while I was colouring," she said.

"You've done a lovely job," her mother replied.

Like Naisa's brightly coloured drawings, life in the township is gradually regaining colour.

Residents have personalised their new homes with curtains, decorations and family photographs, including framed pictures of loved ones lost in the landslide.

"Last year at this time we were all living in rented houses. Now we have homes of our own," said Jaseela. "We only wish our loved ones could have been here with us."

Kanakakunnu resident Pradeep said the journey had been difficult, but rebuilding life after such devastating loss had given families renewed purpose.