The Narippatta grama panchayat has also reported significant damages in its Payyekkandi, Kumbalachola, and Valook wards.
Published Aug 13, 2024 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 26, 2024 | 2:38 PM
Landslide affected Vilangadu in Kozhiikode
A massive landslide that wreaked havoc in Wayanad on 30 July has tragically overshadowed another catastrophic event that occurred on the same day in Vilangadu of Vanimal Grama Panchayath in Kozhikode.
While the initial focus of rescue and relief operations was on Wayanad, where the scale of destruction was immense, authorities have now turned their attention to the landslid-struck Vilangadu, where the situation is unfolding to be equally alarming.
Initial assessments, conducted primarily through drone surveys, have painted a picture of unprecedented devastation. Preliminary estimates suggest that over 100 epicentres had contributed to the landslide.
The sheer scale of the disaster is staggering, with the financial losses likely to run into crores. Fortunately, the loss of human life was comparatively less severe, with only one person reported dead. However, the extensive damage to property, infrastructure, and agriculture has left the region reeling.
The extent of the devastation caused by the landslide in Vilangadu is becoming increasingly apparent. According to P Anwar Sadath, Vadakara RDO and Nodal Officer of Vilangad Disaster Management, the landslide has wreaked havoc on the region, with a massive loss of property and infrastructure.
At least 14 houses have been completely washed away, while 112 others have been rendered uninhabitable. The actual number of damaged houses is likely to rise as assessments continue. In addition to residential losses, four shops were destroyed, and critical infrastructure suffered severe damage.
The Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) has estimated a loss of ₹5.8 crore and the collapse of the Valook, Urutti, and Vilangadu bridges has dealt a significant blow to connectivity.
PWD (Road) estimated a loss of ₹156 lakhs that includes destruction of Urutti Bridge’s approach road and Valookku, Urutti and Vilangadu bridges.
One of the affected areas in Vilangadu
Crops spread across 162 hectares have been damaged, affecting 225 farmers. The preliminary estimate of agricultural losses stands at a staggering ₹11.85 crore. The Irrigation Department has reported a loss of ₹35 crore due to the landslide.
Other sectors have also suffered losses. The PWD (Building) department, Water Authority, and Tribal Affairs Department have estimated losses at ₹2.7 lakh, ₹35.3 lakh, and ₹30 lakh respectively. The latter figure includes the loss of 1,800 kg of honey and 60 kg of stingless bee honey.
The landslide has also disrupted essential services. The drinking water project to Vayad has been completely destroyed, and Anganwadis in the region have been affected. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has estimated its losses at ₹6.06 crore.
The overall loss due to the landslide, including damage to roads, drinking water projects, culverts, and buildings, has been estimated at ₹14.62 crore by Vanimel grama panchayat.
The Narippatta grama panchayat has also reported significant damages in its Payyekkandi, Kumbalachola, and Valook wards. The panchayath officials said that the scale of the disaster is immense, and the road to recovery will be long and arduous.
The other day, assessing the situation, Public Works Minister PA Mohammad Riyas told the media that a comprehensive rehabilitation plan will be made to support the affected people.
Minister Riyas highlighted that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is taking the Vilangadu tragedy with utmost seriousness. “A comprehensive rehabilitation will be planned and implemented in Vilangadu. Until then, temporary rehabilitation measures, including providing rented housing for the displaced, will be carried out,” he said.
debris accumulated following the landslide
The Minister also confirmed that the district collector has been tasked with providing an estimate of the damage by August 17. This assessment will include details on the number of houses rendered uninhabitable and the extent of damage caused. In addition, the collector has been directed to remove the debris of stones and trees that have accumulated in the rivers across four gram panchayats due to the landslide.
At the same time, Revenue Minister K Rajan stressed the importance of prioritising Vilangadu in the allocation of the State Disaster Relief Fund.
“We are awaiting a detailed final report,” Rajan noted. “The Chief Minister has been informed that this is an issue that requires urgent and serious attention.”
While Shafi Parambil MP called for the preparation of a master plan for a township that could safely house disaster victims including a comprehensive package for the affected residents of Vilangadu, MLA EK Vijayan expressed concerns over the thousands of trees and tonnes of stones that have been deposited in the Vanimel, Nadapuram, Valayam, and Edacherry rivers due to the landslides. He warned that if this debris is not removed urgently, there is a significant risk that the river could change its course.
A four-member expert team has arrived at Vilangadu to conduct a comprehensive study of the tragedy.
The team, which includes a geologist, a hydrologist, a soil conservationist, and a hazard analyst, will work to identify landslide-prone areas and contribute to the formulation of the rehabilitation plan.
The team’s findings is said to be crucial in determining the most suitable areas for rehabilitation and in providing accurate documentation of the damages.
Talking to South First, Vilangadu ward member Selma Raju said, “Almost the entire area of Vilangadu has been affected. It’s the first time that such a large-scale disaster has struck us and it happened almost at the same time. The interesting thing is that we are close to Wayanad. Also, the affected areas in Wayanad and Vilangadu are almost on the same side.”
She further added, “Now three camps are there. But we are trying to shift the inmates to other facilities like rented houses.”
At the same time, officials said that the Vilangadu incident calls for a thorough investigation into the factors that contributed to its occurrence.
(Edited by Neena)
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