Thiruvananthapuram: Massive landslides, caused by heavy rains in Kerala's hill district of Wayanad, have resulted in a tragic loss of at least 125 lives on Tuesday, evoking memories of the state's worst natural disasters in recent history.
In August 2018, Kerala was devastated by what was termed as the 'flood of the century', claiming 483 lives and causing widespread destruction of property and livelihoods. The calamity was officially declared a "calamity of severe nature" by the Centre. Over 14.50 lakh people from 3.91 lakh families were housed in relief camps, and agricultural crops across 57,000 hectares were destroyed. The financial toll was staggering, surpassing the state's annual budget outlay.
Images of Indian Air Force helicopters airlifting pregnant women during the 2018 floods remain vivid in the minds of Keralites, who remain grateful to the Indian Army, Coast Guard, Navy, and other rescue agencies for their relentless efforts.
The aftermath of the 2018 floods prompted discussions on the necessity of environmentally sustainable construction practices during the state's reconstruction efforts.
As Kerala was still recovering from the 2018 disaster, another tragedy struck in 2019 when a landslide in Puthumala, Wayanad, claimed 17 lives. Similarly, in October 2021, heavy rainfall led to landslides in Idukki and Kottayam districts, resulting in 35 fatalities.
In 2021, Kerala also witnessed heavy rainfall and flood-related incidents that claimed 53 lives, underscoring the recurring nature of natural calamities in the region.
August 2022 brought further devastation as landslides and flash floods caused by heavy rains killed 18 people, displacing thousands and causing significant damage to property.
Over the years, Kerala has borne a disproportionate burden of landslides, accounting for 2,239 out of 3,782 landslides recorded across India from 2015 to 2022, as per data from the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
These recurring disasters highlight the urgent need for robust disaster management strategies and sustainable development practices in Kerala, aiming to mitigate the impact of future calamities on its vulnerable populations. PTI
Published: 30 Jul 2024, 08:58 pm IST
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.