Improving Landslide Disaster Management in Wayanad

Disaster Management Disaster Management in India

Posted by newadmin on 2025-03-31 09:02:16 |

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A recent study published in Nature Natural Hazards highlights the urgent need for better disaster management strategies in Wayanad, Kerala, following the catastrophic landslide in July 2024. The study employed advanced techniques like run-out modelling and Rapid Mass Movement Simulation (RAMMS) to assess debris flow paths, speed, and pressure during the landslide. This research is pivotal for predicting landslide behavior, creating effective vulnerability maps, and implementing early warning systems.

Key findings from the study show significant debris accumulation at lower elevations of slopes, which poses future hazards downstream. Historical analysis indicates that the debris flow path mirrored past landslides, including the deadly event in 1984 and a smaller one in 2019. The study stresses the importance of rainfall and soil moisture monitoring stations to set early warning thresholds, which could significantly reduce casualties by triggering timely evacuations.

The research also emphasizes the importance of understanding the ecological context of Wayanad’s terrain. The combination of steep slopes, fragile soils, and intense rainfall makes the region highly vulnerable to landslides. The study calls for enhanced disaster management strategies, such as land use regulation and the incorporation of modern technologies to predict and mitigate landslide risks, ultimately saving lives and protecting infrastructure.

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