Wayanad landslide survivors rebuild lives as Kerala hands over new homes

Signs of hope are emerging from the rubble months after a devastating landslip destroyed entire neighbourhoods in Kerala's Wayanad hill district.

On July 30, 2024, a huge landslip tore through houses and plantations in the foothills of Mundakkai and Chooralmala, turning the area into a disaster area. About 330 people died when three panchayat wards were destroyed.

Families had been split up. There were orphaned children. Nothing remained for the survivors, not even land on which to rebuild.

But at Elton Estates, a 130-acre rehabilitation township created by the Kerala government close to Kalpetta, a fresh start is emerging today.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will hand over 178 newly built homes as part of the project's first phase on March 1.

For Manoj, a landslide survivor and convenor of the action committee, seeing his new home brings overwhelming emotion.

Manoj, survivor and convenor of the action committee, says, "The house behind me is mine. I came here just to see this house. I am extremely happy because this area is very close to the Kalpetta bypass. This is not a place we could ever afford to buy, a place that we could never even dream of purchasing. Land here costs more than 10 lakhs. To be in such a good place like this, especially as survivors, we are now feeling the joy of returning to the atmosphere of our old village. The Chief Minister will inaugurate it, and the inauguration has been postponed from the 25th (of February) to March 1."

For many survivors, however, the pain of the tragedy remains deeply personal.

Abu Baker lost seven members of his family—along with his home, vehicle and plantation—in the landslide. While the grief remains, the new house offers him a sense of relief and a chance to rebuild for the next generation.

Abu Baker, landslide survivor, says, "Seven members of my family died in the landslide. We had a house in Mundakkai town, and everything was destroyed - our vehicle, our plantation, everything was lost. But there are no complaints now. At least there is some relief. We have been given a house. We could never have built a house like this in our lifetime. We have grown old now. Let it at least be of benefit to our children, and for now, things are going well.”

Beyond concrete walls and rooftops, survivors say what truly matters is rebuilding their community.

After months of living in rented houses scattered across different locations, families who once lived as neighbours will now return to living side by side.

“We are very happy to receive a house like this after losing everything. It is good. It's a very nice place. The area and surroundings are excellent. It makes us extremely happy. When all the old neighbours gather like this, it brings great joy. Earlier, everyone was living here and there,” said one of the landslide survivors. 

The township has been planned as a fully integrated village. Of the total 410 houses proposed, 178 are ready in the first phase. Each 1,000-square-foot home includes provisions for future expansion, rooftop solar power, and a centralised sewage treatment system.

A gravity-based water supply system drawing from the Karapuzha Dam will provide water to all homes. Schools, healthcare facilities, community spaces and commercial areas aim to restore the social fabric shattered by the disaster.

Meanwhile, Dr. Arun JO, IAS, Chief Operating Officer, says, "We are rebuilding the entire village -- not just constructing houses, but redeveloping the whole village along with its essential public infrastructure. This includes not only residential buildings but also associated civic amenities. As part of the project, we are prioritising residential construction in the first phase. The total number of residential houses is 410. Out of these, 178 beneficiaries fall under Phase One. In the first phase, we are completing 178 houses, which will be handed over to the beneficiaries by 1st March."

According to officials, a number of families who had previously chosen financial compensation are now looking for homes in the township, preferring the comfort of going back to a shared community.

On March 1, when survivors receive keys to not only new homes but also to lives rebuilt with resiliency, memory, and hope, emotions are predicted to run high as roads are laid and finishing touches are made.