Kerala Landslides: Causes, Impact & Latest Updates

By - Gurumantra Civil Class

At - 2025-11-15 19:25:52

KERALA LANDSLIDES

Kerala recently witnessed two devastating landslides in Wayanad’s Meppadi panchayat, which resulted in the tragic loss of over 230 lives. This incident is a stark reminder of the recurring landslide hazards in Kerala, particularly during the monsoon season.

Background

 • Since the great flood of 2018, Kerala has been grappling with extreme weather events, and landslides have emerged as a significant threat.

 • In 2018 alone, 341 major landslides were reported across the state.

 • Districts such as Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram, Kasaragod, and Kozhikode are especially prone to these deadly landslides.

Developmental Needs and Landslide Risks

 • Kerala’s developmental agenda, which includes infrastructure expansion and urban growth, often conflicts with its high susceptibility to landslides.

 • According to the Indian Landslide Susceptibility Mapping (ILSM), Kerala is the non-Himalayan region most prone to landslides, necessitating careful consideration in development planning.

 • Heavy rainfall, a primary trigger for landslides in the Western Ghats, exacerbates these risks.

 • Unlike the Himalayas, Kerala’s high soil depth retains more water, making the region more susceptible to landslides with relatively less rainfall.

Major Debates

 • Adequacy of Early Warning Systems: The effectiveness of Kerala’s early warning systems for landslides has come under scrutiny, especially in the wake of high casualty counts.

 • Anthropogenic Factors: There is ongoing debate about the role of human activities, such as deforestation and unplanned construction, in exacerbating landslide risks.

 • Disaster Management Strategies: The efficiency of Kerala’s disaster management strategies is being questioned, particularly given the recurrence of such incidents since 2018.

 • Climate Change: The role of climate change in increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall leading to landslides.

 • Geological Vulnerability: The frequent occurrence of landslides in specific regions highlights persistent geological vulnerabilities.

Concerns / Challenges

 • Inadequate Early Warning Systems: The failure to provide timely warnings may have contributed to the high casualty figures.

 • Anthropogenic Exacerbation: Human activities, including deforestation and unregulated construction, could be amplifying natural disaster risks.

 • Insufficient Disaster Preparedness: Despite repeated incidents since 2018, disaster preparedness in Kerala remains inadequate, with potential gaps in evacuation procedures and community awareness.

 • Land Use Planning: Poor land use planning and regulation in landslide-prone areas might be increasing the vulnerability of these regions.

 • Evacuation Procedures: The effectiveness of evacuation procedures and community awareness programs are being questioned in light of the recurring disasters.

Government Schemes

 • National Landslide Risk Management Strategy: This strategy aims to minimize landslide risks through hazard zonation, early warning systems, and slope stabilization measures.

 • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: This scheme provides crop insurance against natural disasters, including landslides, to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.

 • National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF): The NDRF provides financial assistance for disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts across the country.

International Best Practices

 • Japan: Known for its comprehensive landslide monitoring and early warning systems, Japan sets an example for Kerala to enhance its own disaster preparedness.

 • Italy: Italy’s use of advanced remote sensing technologies for landslide risk assessment could be adopted in Kerala for better risk mapping and management.

 • Switzerland: Switzerland’s integration of landslide risk in spatial planning and construction regulations offers a model for Kerala to ensure safer development practices.

Way Forward

 • Enhance Early Warning Systems: Kerala must invest in state-of-the-art early warning systems specifically designed for landslides in vulnerable regions.

 • Stricter Land Use Regulations: Implementing and enforcing stricter land use regulations in landslide-prone areas can reduce the risk of disasters.

 • Comprehensive Geological Surveys: Conducting detailed geological surveys and risk mapping is crucial for identifying high-risk zones and implementing preventive measures.

 • Community-Based Disaster Preparedness: Promoting disaster preparedness and response training at the community level can significantly improve resilience to landslides.

 • Zoning Approach: Kerala can adopt a zoning approach based on landslide susceptibility maps, restricting high-risk development in very high and high vulnerability areas while promoting controlled growth in lower-risk zones.

  ○ Implementing landslide susceptibility mapping by the Geological Survey of India can guide economically

viable development plans that minimize risk exposure.

 • Risk Assessment in Infrastructure Projects: Integrating landslide risk assessment into all infrastructure projects, particularly road development, can help mitigate human-induced slope instability.

Conclusion

By implementing these strategies, Kerala can effectively balance its developmental needs with landslide risk mitigation. This approach ensures sustainable growth while prioritizing public safety and environmental conservation, creating a model for other landslide-prone regions to emulat.