Wayanad is a hilly district in Kerala that faced a devastating disaster in 2024. Intense rainfall led to tragic landslides, destroying homes, washing away bridges, and causing widespread power outages. This distressing event affected many residents, resulting in loss of life and significant property damage.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather
Scientists from India, Sweden, the United States, and the United Kingdom are investigating how human activities, such as pollution and deforestation, contribute to changes in weather patterns.
wayanad landslide reason
Their research indicates that climate change increases the likelihood of extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and landslides like those experienced in Wayanad in 2024. This poses serious risks for communities living in vulnerable areas.
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The soils in Wayanad were already saturated from the ongoing monsoon season, which is common for this region. When an extraordinary 140 mm of rain fell in a single day in July 2024, it triggered landslides in an area known for its loose and erodible soil.
Reports indicate that the landslides of 2024 are among the deadliest in Kerala’s history, resulting in at least 436 fatalities, over 397 injuries, and more than 130 individuals reported missing.
Rainfall Patterns
Current climate data shows an increase of 1.3°C since the start of the industrial era, leading to a higher frequency of extreme rainfall events. The recent downpour in Wayanad was noted as the third heaviest single-day rainfall on record, following significant storms in 2019 and 1924. Additionally, it exceeded the heavy rainfall recorded in 2018 that affected much of Kerala.
Over the last 45 years, instances of heavy one-day rainfall have become about 17% more intense, coinciding with a temperature increase of 0.85°C.
Climate Models
To assess the impact of climate change on this recent rainfall, scientists employed high-resolution climate models capable of capturing localized precipitation data. These models suggest that human-induced climate change has led to a 10% increase in rainfall intensity. Future projections indicate that with a global temperature rise of 2°C, there could be an additional 4% increase in one-day rainfall intensity.
Despite the complex terrain of Wayanad and its variable climate dynamics, evidence supports a broader scientific understanding that warmer air holds more moisture, resulting in heavier rainfalls.
Early Warning Systems
the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) effectively predicted the extreme rainfall and issued warnings for July 2024, these alerts were communicated at a state level. This made it challenging for local communities to identify specific areas at risk for landslides and take necessary evacuation measures. Developing slope-specific landslide early warning systems could be costly and complicated but highlights the need for strategies that reduce exposure to landslide-prone areas.
Strategies for Safety
As climate change continues to affect weather patterns, understanding these dynamics is essential for safeguarding lives and property in regions like Wayanad.
The tragic events in Wayanad serve as a critical reminder of the impacts of climate change on our environment. By raising awareness and implementing effective safety measures, we can help protect communities from future disasters related to extreme weather events.
Wayanad landslide reason
- Heavy Rainfall
- Saturated Soils
- Topography
- Climate Change
- Land Use Changes
Wayanad landslide date
The devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, occurred on July 30, 2024. This event was triggered by heavy rainfall that led to significant soil saturation and instability in the region.
