Permanent Damage: Some Landslide-Hit Areas In Wayanad May Be Uninhabitable Forever

New Delhi: Such is the trail of destruction left behind by the July 30 landslide, that some of the affected areas of the Wayanad district may be declared permanent “no habitation” zones due to the large devastation caused to their topography, Kerala government authorities fear.

What is more, many survivors are traumatised and do not want to return to their homes since they are worried about an alternate roof on their heads, compensation and a means of livelihood.

Officials working to restore the lives of those affected, especially from the three worst-hit villages of Punchirimattam, Chooralmala and Mundakkai under the Meppadi panchayat, told PTI that human habitation in parts of the first two villages (wards numbered 10, 11 and 12) may not be possible in the future.

Another senior official working on the ground said the topography of certain areas has been “permanently altered” by the swollen and widened Gayathri river that carried massive rocks, gravel and uprooted trees, destroying everything in its path — houses, schools, temples and other public infrastructure.

The locals of the affected areas also share the same concern.

Notably, More than 200 people have lost their lives and an equal number of body parts have been found during search operations in the aftermath of the worst disaster ever faced by the state, which has a fragile ecology along its coasts and hilly areas.