On July 30, 2024, between 12.30 am and 3.30 am, a massive landslide struck the hilly areas of Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad district, in South India. The Landslide affected several villages, including Punjirimattom, Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Attamala. According to data from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the District experienced more than 570 mm of rainfall in 48 hours, which is around five times higher than forecast. Wayanad, located in the Western Ghats mountain range, is at risk of landslides during monsoon seasons located in the Western Ghats mountain range
The disaster resulted in the tragic loss of life of over 300 people and many more still missing and injured, making it the deadliest landslide incident in Kerala's history. 119 missing persons are still not found. Only 231 dead bodies and 212 body parts could be recovered. 397 people were injured. 214 people were rescued. It left a trail of destruction, with several houses destroyed, water bodies swollen, and trees uprooted.
The Kerala government and volunteers responded swiftly and comprehensively. Rescue efforts were enhanced by deploying more than 1300 personnel from various state and national forces, including the NDRF, Army, and Police. Furthermore, a Bailey bridge was constructed by the Indian Army to aid in rescue efforts and the transportation of relief materials.
LAST JOURNEY THROUGH THE SKY
The body of a person who died in a landslide is being brought by ropeway The rescue teams decided to bring the dead body through the ropeway as the entire road was covered with stones and mud and was impassable after multiple landslides in the hills in Wayanad district in the southern state of Kerala India
THE UNCEASING CRY OF DISASTER LAND
Army soldiers help trapped child to cross a temporary bridge at disaster site after multiple landslides in the hills in Wayanad district in the southern state of Kerala India
FLEEING FOR SALVATION
A father walks with his daughter on his shoulder as they look for a way out from the disaster land after multiple landslides in the hills in Wayanad district in the southern state of Kerala India
THE TRAGEDY FROM THE HILL
People walk past debris at a landslide site after multiple landslides in the hills in Wayanad in the southern state of Kerala India
THE TRAGEDY FROM THE HILL
Members of rescue teams conduct rescue operation at a landslide site after multiple landslides in the hills in Wayanad in the southern state of Kerala India
THE TRAGEDY FROM THE HILL
Rescuers search for survivors at a landslide site after multiple landslides in the hills in Wayanad in the southern state of Kerala India
THE TRAGEDY FROM THE HILL
Army soldiers help trapped people to cross a temporary bridge at a landslide site after multiple landslides in the hills in Wayanad district in the southern state of Kerala India
THE TRAGEDY FROM THE HILL
Army personnel and volunteers lift a portion of a bridge during its re-construction after landslides hit Chooralmala in Wayanad district in the southern state of Kerala India
THE TRAGEDY FROM THE HILL
Survivors of the landslide rest at a relief camp in Wayanad district in the southern state of Kerala India
THE TRAGEDY FROM THE HILL
Those who lost loved ones who died in the landslide that occurred in Mundakai Chooralmala Wayanad last year burst into tears at the gravesite