Source: The Hindu
General Studies-3; Topic: Disaster and disaster management
Introduction:
- On July 30, 2024, landslides hit Mundakkai and Chooralmala villages in Wayanad, Kerala.
- The disaster is considered one of the deadliest in India, exposing vulnerabilities in disaster management.
Changing Disaster Profile of Kerala:
- Historically, Kerala was considered a relatively disaster-free zone, protected by its geography (Western Ghats to the east and the sea to the west).
- Over the years, development activities, deforestation, and increasing population density in hilly areas have led to frequent disasters, including floods, landslides, and coastal erosion.
- The 2018 floods were termed the “floods of the century,” attributed to climate change by the World Meteorological Organization.
- Increased coastal erosion and rising sea levels further aggravate the state’s vulnerability.
Vulnerability of Wayanad:
- Wayanad is situated on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and is geologically prone to landslides due to deep gorges and tectonic factors.
- Tremors often accompany landslides in this region, as evidenced during the July 2024 landslides.
- Recurring landslides call for a more comprehensive understanding and mapping of the region’s geological characteristics.
Need for Scientific Reappraisal:
- Current assessments of landslides in Wayanad are oversimplified, focusing on slope, soil thickness, and rainfall.
- A nuanced, scientific approach is required that includes mapping geological setups, soil characteristics, drainage patterns, human activities like mining, and land use changes.
- Landslide inventory maps, along with susceptibility maps, are crucial for identifying at-risk zones and issuing timely warnings.
Impact of Climate Change:
- The warming of the Arabian Sea and rising sea surface temperatures have increased the risk of extreme weather events in Kerala, including cyclones and heavy monsoons.
- The heat content of the Indian Ocean has rapidly risen, contributing to cyclogenesis in the Arabian Sea.
- Cyclone Ockhi in 2017 was one of the most severe cyclones to hit Kerala in recent memory, underscoring the growing climate-related risks.
Paradigm Shift in Disaster Management:
- The current disaster management system in Kerala is reactive, focusing on rescue and rehabilitation, which is insufficient given the growing frequency of disasters.
- There is a need to adopt the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which advocates for a proactive approach encompassing preparedness, resilience, and mitigation.
- Disaster risk management should be decentralized, involving local governments, communities, and other stakeholders.
Concerns and Challenges in Addressing Landslides and Disasters in Kerala
- The average population density in the Western Ghats region of Kerala is above the national average, leading to greater human exposure to natural disasters.
- There is a gap in scientific understanding of the geological and environmental factors contributing to landslides in Kerala.
- Local communities, who are often the first responders in disasters, are not adequately engaged in disaster risk management planning.
- Although technologies like remote sensing, GIS, and early warning systems are available, their implementation is limited, especially in rural and remote areas.
- Investments in disaster risk reduction, particularly in enhancing infrastructure resilience and scientific research, remain inadequate.
- Development projects, including large-scale infrastructure and mining, are often prioritized over environmental sustainability, leading to environmental degradation and increased disaster risk.
International Best Practices for Disaster Management and Landslide Mitigation
- Japan has one of the most advanced early warning systems for landslides, earthquakes, and tsunamis. The Japan Meteorological Agency uses real-time weather data, geological assessments, and seismic information to issue early warnings to the public.
- Switzerland implements a range of structural measures to prevent landslides, including constructing retaining walls, afforestation, terracing, and installing drainage systems to reduce water seepage into slopes.
- In California, various agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), work together to monitor landslides. They use geospatial data, satellite imagery, and advanced hydrological models to predict and monitor landslide events.
- New Zealand has a strong emphasis on community-led disaster risk assessments, where local communities actively participate in mapping hazards and vulnerabilities.
Key Recommendations:
- Disaster Risk Zones: Kerala should create detailed disaster risk zones based on multiple physical and social criteria within a socio-ecological framework.
- Community Involvement: A community-based disaster risk management model should be implemented, engaging local communities in disaster planning and response.
- Collaborative Approach: A quadruple helix model involving community organizations, academia, government, and business is suggested to create a robust disaster management framework.
- Integration in Development: Disaster risk management should be integrated into local development plans to build resilience and reduce long-term risks.
Conclusion:
- The increasing frequency and intensity of disasters in Kerala necessitate a shift from reactive disaster management to a more comprehensive, proactive, and community-driven approach.
- By adopting scientifically informed practices and engaging local communities, Kerala can better mitigate the risks of future disasters and improve overall resilience.
Practice Question:
Landslides are a frequent occurrence in Kerala, particularly in Wayanad. Analyze the key factors that contribute to landslides in this region. What measures should be taken to reduce the impact of such disasters? (250 words)
