Wayanad landslide: A call to action on climate change

It is high time to reduce our carbon footprint and individual actions multiplied across millions can drive significant change
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Wayanad, a serene hill district in Kerala which is renowned for its rich biodiversity and lush greenery, turned into a tragedy zone as heavy rains triggered massive landslides. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had issued warnings of rain within the range of 64 mm to 204 mm, but the region was overwhelmed by the intensity of the rainfall. Some regions received up to 570 mm of rain in just two days, far more than what was predicted as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). the The impact of the floods on Wayanad’s survivors is deeply personal and heart-wrenching.

The trauma of this incident runs deep, survivors not only lost homes and loved ones rather now they have to deal with the psychological and social difficulties of starting their lives again. Schools have become relief camps, the usual chirping of birds was replaced by the whir of rescue helicopters. The economic impact has been substantial, particularly for Wayanad’s dairy industry, which suffered severe losses. Many livestock were lost and a significant portion of fodder farms was destroyed, leading to considerable financial damage.

The destruction that occurred in Wayanad is not a unique event rather it is a vivid chapter in India’s unfolding climate crisis story. Unprecedented water levels are rewriting the nation’s geography and future from the lush plains of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to the tea gardens of Assam, where the yearly flood intensity has increased alarmingly. Such incidents are not mere acts of nature but are a sign that our planet is in distress. Like a pot slowly coming to a boil, the signs of trouble have been subtle—until now. We have grown accustomed to gradual changes, missing the bigger and more dangerous shift happening around us.

Reflecting on insights from research experts, the disparity in rainfall patterns across Kerala this season is striking. While some districts have experienced above-average rainfall, others, such as Wayanad, have seen below-average precipitation. This regional variability could become more pronounced with ongoing global warming. According to data from the
IMD, Wayanad had a 15 per cent deficit in rainfall so far this season however on July 30, Wayanad received 6% of its annual rainfall in just a few hours.

Experts have emphasised that climate change is altering rainfall patterns and increasing the likelihood of severe weather events like landslides. They point to unplanned development and the rising temperatures of air and oceans as key contributors to these climate-related disasters.

Learning from other regions in India and globe

Wayanad’s situation mirrors challenges faced by many worldwide regions grappling with similar environmental and socio-economic issues. However, through experience, some regions in India and around the world have developed more robust strategies to address these challenges such as:

• Sikkim: The state has developed a landslide hazard zonation map to identify the high-risk zones and implement appropriate mitigation measures. Sikkim has also implemented various initiatives to lessen the effects of landslides such as community awareness campaigns, afforestation plans and slope stabilisation projects

• Odisha: Odisha has made investment in early warning systems, cyclone shelters and community awareness programs. This has significantly reduced the impact of cyclones and has set a benchmark for disaster preparedness in India

• Bangladesh: Bangladesh has implemented an effective early warning system and constructed flood-resilient infrastructure, such as elevated homes and flood shelters as they experience floods quite frequently​​

• Netherlands: In order to control rising water levels, the Dutch government started the ‘Room for the River Program’, which entails re-establishing natural flood plains, building water buffers, and relocating levees. The program is a cooperative effort between multiple governmental bodies and involves over 30 projects

These instances demonstrate effective preparedness and response for disasters. By learning from such success stories, communities can significantly enhance their resilience to hazards such as floods, cyclones and landslides.

Recommendations: Building a resilient future

The Wayanad floods are a wake-up call to take urgent and sustained action against climate change. These events highlight the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate environmental damage and bolster resilience against future climate-related disasters. Immediate measures and long-term planning are crucial to safeguarding vulnerable communities and industries. Here are some key steps that can be taken at both, policy and individual levels:

2. Policy level

• Sustainable land management: To preserve the natural balance and lessen the likelihood of hazards such as landslides, reforestation and controlled deforestation techniques should be put into place.

• Community education: Programmes for community education must be initiated in order to promote sustainable behaviours and increase awareness about climate change.

• Climate change integration: Integrating strategies to combat climate change in all planning and development initiatives will help in ensuring sustainable growth.

• Resilient infrastructure: Flood-resistant infrastructure, such as elevated roads, robust drainage systems and community flood shelters, must be built to better withstand extreme weather events in flood prone areas.

• Strengthening existing policies: The execution of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) requires reinforcement, especially in the areas of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and water conservation. Furthermore, stronger climate resilience and adaptation strategies should be included into the Disaster Management Act, for successfully addressing the climate-related issues.

• Research and innovation: More funds should be allocated to research in order to provide more innovative solutions for dealing with changing weather patterns and other climate-issues.

• Expediting early warning projects: The completion of state-specific landslide early warning system projects in Kerala and other vulnerable regions needs to be expedited to enhance disaster preparedness. For instance, in 2020, Kerala approved three pilot projects for state-specific landslide early warning systems, but none have been completed.

Additionally, more projects like the “Room for the River” initiative should be developed and implemented to enhance flood management and resilience. Kerala has adopted the “Room for the River” concept to manage flood risks by creating designated floodplains. The project is in early stages and hence a more dedicated focus should be given to these initiatives to ensure their effective implementation. Supporting initiatives like the “Haritha Keralam Mission,” which focusses on restoring natural ecosystems, can play a crucial role in building resilience against future climate events. Such programmes or missions, alongside other policy measures, can help preserve biodiversity and protect vulnerable regions from the adverse impacts of climate change.

3. Individual level

• Stay informed about climate issues and educate others.

• Use energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting.

• Electronics should be unplugged when not in use to reduce overall energy consumption.

• When feasible, choose to opt for walking, biking, or taking public transportation. If driving is necessary, consider carpooling or switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle.

• Reduce meat consumption and choose locally sourced, seasonal produce.

• Minimise food waste through proper planning and composting.

• Adhere to the “reduce, reuse, recycle” philosophy in your consumption practices also.

• To cut down on water wastage, take shorter showers and collect rainwater for gardening.

• If you have the space, consider growing your own herbs or vegetables.

• Properly segregate waste for recycling and dispose of electronic waste responsibly.

• Try to take part in or lead community cleanup initiatives.

• Support businesses with strong environmental policies and participate in local environmental initiatives.

Call to action: Collective responsibility

Each of us has a role to play. By implementing some of the recommended practices and advocating for climate-related policies, we can reduce our carbon footprint. These individual actions, multiplied across millions, can drive significant change.

The floods ravaging Wayanad and other parts of India are more than just bad weather—they are nature’s urgent alarm bell. As the waters recede, let the memory of this disaster persist not as a trauma to be forgotten, but as a catalyst for transformative action.

Paresh Kumar is a social researcher, author, social entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of DevInsights – a leading social research-based consulting firm. Asmita Yadav is a social researcher and currently working as Deputy Manager – Monitoring Learning and Evaluation with DevInsights. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.

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