How the Wayanad landslide happened| Let Me Explain with Dhanya Rajendran

Summary

The video script discusses a devastating landslide in Vard District, Cara, which has resulted in over 200 deaths and many still missing. It explores the geographical and historical context of the area, the unprecedented rainfall that triggered the disaster, and the subsequent rescue operations. The script also delves into the natural and human factors contributing to the catastrophe, including the ecological sensitivity of the region, the impact of human settlements, and the need for better weather prediction systems. It concludes with a call for反思 and action from both the government and the people of Kerala.

Takeaways

• 😢 Over 200 people were killed and many are still missing due to landslides in the Vard District of Kerala.
• 🗺️ The landslide originated in the Madii Grama Panchayat of Bayard District, affecting small villages nestled between the Valari Mala Hills and the Chural Mala Hills.
• 🏞️ The area has a history of gold mining by the British in the late 1700s and is currently a popular tourist destination with many resorts.
• 🌧️ Unprecedented rainfall of 572 mm from July 28th to July 30th triggered the landslide, which is a significant amount compared to previous years' records.
• 🏠 The landslide caused massive destruction, with 550 houses destroyed in Mundai alone and almost complete wipeout of Chural Mala village.
• 🚧 The rescue operations faced challenges due to the destruction of the only bridge connecting Mundai and Chural Mala, requiring the construction of a temporary bridge and a zip line for transportation.
• 🔍 As of August 1st, 200 people were still reported missing, and rescue efforts including JCBs, cutting machines, and dog squads were deployed to find survivors.
• ⛰️ The landslide was a natural phenomenon exacerbated by the region's geological composition and the increasing rainfall due to climate change.
• 🏡 The area's eco-sensitive zones were turned into human settlements, leading to soil loosening and more devastating landslides, despite warnings from environmental studies.
• 📢 Kerala needs a better weather prediction system, including a second Doppler radar and more automated weather stations for real-time data collection.

Q & A

How many people were reported dead due to the landslides in Vard District?

More than 200 people were reported dead due to the landslides in Vard District.

What is the name of the show where the discussion about the landslides is taking place?

The discussion about the landslides is taking place in a show called 'Let Me Explain'.

What are the three main aspects discussed in the show regarding the landslide?

The three main aspects discussed in the show are the origin and path of the landslide, the vulnerability of Vard and the rescue operations, and the natural and human reasons behind the disaster.

Where did the landslide originate and what areas were affected?

The landslide originated in the Madii Grama Panchayat of Bayard District. It affected areas like Mundai Punj, Matam, and Chural Mala, which are nestled between the Valari Mala Hills and the Chural Mala Hills.

What was the historical significance of the area where the landslide occurred?

The area where the landslide occurred had a historical significance in the late 1700s when it was believed that there was gold in the region, leading to British troops descending and quarrying activities for decades.

What was the rainfall recorded in the areas close to the disaster from July 28th to July 30th?

The areas close to the disaster in Vard recorded an unprecedented rainfall of 572 mm from July 28th to July 30th.

How did the landslide impact the river and the surrounding villages?

The landslide caused the river to swell, creating a 15-meter high debris flow that tore through the streets of Mundai and ripped through the Chural Mala Village, which is 2.5 km away.

What was the extent of the destruction in Mundai and Chural Mala?

In Mundai, 550 houses were destroyed, leaving only around 15 houses and a church. In Chural Mala, 60 houses were destroyed, and the village was almost completely wiped out.

What challenges did the rescue operations face and what measures were taken?

The rescue operations faced challenges due to the destruction of the only bridge connecting Mundai and Chural Mala. A temporary bridge was built, and a zip line was used to transport dead bodies. JCBs, cutting machines, and dog squads were deployed to find survivors.

What are the natural and human factors behind the disaster according to the experts?

Natural factors include the geological composition of the area and the heavy rainfall. Human factors include turning ecologically sensitive areas into settlements, lack of adherence to environmental studies, and political pressures that led to continued construction in risky areas.

What recommendations were made by environmental studies and what actions were suggested by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority?

Environmental studies recommended that many places in Vard are ecologically sensitive zones prone to landslides and should not be developed. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority suggested shifting people out of the region, but it was not implemented.