Flash flood in 2024 disaster-hit Wayanad area triggers fresh landslide fears

Incessant heavy rains over 24 hours in the Wayanad region led to flash floods in the Chooralmala area – a place where deadly consecutive landslides in July 2024 washed out two villages and claimed over 400 lives.

The Chooralmala river was reportedly in strong spate, with muddy water flowing forcefully and breaching its banks near the Bailey bridge – which was constructed in the aftermath of the landslides on 30 July 2024. Rainwater is said to be flowing below the Bailey bridge, and authorities were monitoring the situation.

Whilst no fresh landslides have been reported, there was unconfirmed information about the flow of debris downstream, creating concern. Rocks and uprooted trees were also reported to have been seen in the swollen river.

Sources said that rising river levels have cut off several farm labourers who had ventured out for work. Efforts are underway to move these estate workers to safer places.

However, whilst the district administration officials confirmed the flash flooding due to widespread rain in the hills, they maintained there was no immediate danger and were monitoring the situation closely.

Following the heavy rain, the water level in the Kabani river in Mananthavady and Panamaram in Wayanad also rose quickly. The authorities said there was no need for panic as the situation was under control.

It's also worth noting that the Kabini dam, which is connected to the Kabani river and its catchment area in Wayanad, had already reached near-full capacity in May this year, due to continuous heavy rainfall.

On 30 July 2024, consecutive landslides in Wayanad – amongst the deadliest in Kerala's history – affected villages like Chooralmala, Mundakkai, Punjirimattom, and Vellarimala, displacing thousands of people.

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