WAYANAD LANDSLIDES CATEGORIZED AS SEVERE DISASTER

GS3 – DISASTER MANAGEMENT

The recent designation of the Wayanad landslides as a disaster of “severe nature” highlights the gravity of the situation and triggers enhanced governmental response. This decision follows widespread criticism over insufficient financial support for victims. The catastrophic event, which occurred on July 30, resulted in over 200 fatalities, numerous injuries, and the displacement of thousands.

Understanding Severe Natural Disasters

Severe natural disasters are large-scale catastrophic events causing significant loss of life, property, and environmental damage.

• Causes: These disasters may be triggered by natural events (e.g., landslides, cyclones, earthquakes) or human activities (e.g., industrial accidents).
• Impacts:
  • Social: Loss of lives, displacement, and increased vulnerability of marginalized groups such as women, children, and the elderly.
  • Economic: Destruction of infrastructure, disrupting transport, power, and essential services.
  • Environmental: Land degradation, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity.

Implications of Declaring a Disaster of Severe Nature

When a disaster is categorized as “severe nature,” it prompts additional national-level support:

• National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF): Provides financial assistance for long-term recovery.
• Calamity Relief Fund (CRF): A shared fund (3:1 ratio between Centre and state) for immediate relief. If CRF resources are exhausted, additional aid is granted through the fully centrally-funded National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF).
• Loan Assistance: Relief may include loan concessions for affected individuals.

Overview of the Wayanad Landslides

Triggered by heavy rainfall, the Wayanad landslides primarily impacted Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas. With over 200 fatalities and significant displacement, it ranks among Kerala’s most devastating disasters.

Kerala’s Rehabilitation Plan for Victims

To aid affected families, the Kerala government has devised a detailed rehabilitation strategy with the following key components:

1. Sustainable Townships:

• Construction of two townships at Elstone Estate (Kalpetta Municipality) and Nedumbala Estate (Meppadi Panchayat).
• Designed based on slope stability analysis, these townships will feature essential facilities, including health centers, schools, markets, anganwadis, and playgrounds.

2. Land Allocation:

• Families will receive land:
  • Five cents in Elstone Estate.
  • Ten cents in Nedumbala Estate, considering regional land value differences.

3. Livelihood Restoration:

• The Kudumbashree micro-plan survey, covering 1,084 families, identified diverse livelihood preferences:
  • 192 families: Agriculture.
  • 79 families: Animal husbandry.
  • 1,034 families: Micro-enterprises.
  • 585 families: Other income-generating activities.
• Special attention to vulnerable groups like women-led households and the elderly.

4. Drone Survey and Legal Framework:

• Drone technology identified suitable sites for rehabilitation.
• Legal permissions obtained from the High Court to acquire necessary land.

5. Timeline and Implementation:

• Final beneficiary list to be published by January 25, 2025.
• Completion timelines for rehabilitation efforts will be shared in the next few weeks.