2024 Wayanad landslides were the multiple landslides that occurred at Punjirimattom, Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, Meppadi and Kunhome villages of Wayanad district, Kerala, India, in the early hours of 30 July 2024. Heavy rains triggered the collapse of hillsides, resulting in torrents of mud, water, and boulders cascading down onto the area. The landslides marked one of the deadliest natural disasters in Kerala’s history with initial reports of at least 406 deaths, over 273 injuries, and 152 reported missing.[b][5][3][8][4] The landslides are among several extreme weather events that have occurred in India in recent years.
Background
Wayanad, a hilly district in the Western Ghats mountain range, is prone to landslides during the monsoon season.[10][11][12][13] Due to heavy rainfall in the area, the residents in the Punjirimattom, Attamala, and Mundakkai areas were moved by local authorities to relief camps beginning on 29 July. Despite an alert issued by the district administration, many residents of the Chooramala area stayed in their houses as it was not marked as a landslide-prone area.[14] An estimated 570 mm (22.5 in) of rainfall was recorded in the two days preceding the disaster.[15]
Kerala’s hilly regions have slopes of more than 20 degrees. It may have contributed to the increased risk of flash floods during heavy rains.[16] According to the Geological Survey of India, a total of 19,301 km2 (7,452 sq mi), or 49.7% of Kerala’s total area, falls within landslide-prone areas