A year after devastating landslides, the sense of loss and sorrow persists in Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Kerala’s Wayanad even as the survivors are concerned over the slow-paced rehabilitation.
On the first anniversary of the disaster on Wednesday, many survivors visited the site where their loved ones were buried, recalling their memories and placing flowers on the graves.
On the intervening night of July 29 and 30, 2024, a massive landslide struck Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Wayanad, triggered by heavy monsoon rain. It claimed nearly 300 lives, injured hundreds, and displaced over 10,000 people. Entire settlements were wiped out, with many people buried under debris as they slept.
In Punchirimattom, where the landslide originated, some plantations still remain. The area continues to witness a heavy police and administrative presence, with efforts underway to ensure safety during the monsoon season
On Tuesday, the Congress-led UDF held a long march from Puthumala—the final resting place of those lost in the Wayanad landslide—to the district collectorate, protesting what they described as the “Kerala government’s betrayal” of the people of Mundakkai–Chooralmala. The march was attended by Congress MLA MLA T. Siddique, Youth League Kerala State President Sayyid Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal, and General Secretary P K Firose
“Even after one whole year, the cries from the disaster site in Wayanad still echo across Kerala,” said Opposition Leader VD Satheesan, sharply criticising both the state and central governments for their continued apathy toward landslide victims.
“Those who lost their families, homes, and livelihoods have been forced to live like refugees—abandoned by both government and governance,” he said.
A total of Rs 772.11 crore flowed into the CMDRF, with Rs.455.54 crore contributed directly by ordinary citizens and government employees.“But what has the government done,” Satheesan asked.
“Only Rs.91.74 crore—just 12%—has been spent in an entire year for rehabilitation. Is this what justice looks like for the people of Wayanad,” he questioned.
“Despite a visit by the prime minister, the Central government treated Wayanad and Kerala with cruel indifference. Even after classifying it as a Level 3 disaster, all they offered was an interest-free loan. That’s not aid—that’s abandonment,” he said.
The Opposition leader further alleged that both the state government and the district administration had disowned their responsibility.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a Facebook post, asserted that the government responded swiftly to the Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide disaster through a coordinated rescue and rehabilitation effort. “A Cabinet sub-committee stayed in Wayanad for over two months to lead and oversee the rehabilitation efforts, with unwavering attention from the government. The promise to complete temporary rehabilitation within a month was strictly adhered to,” he wrote.
He noted that Rs 91.73 crore had already been disbursed from the CMDRF, including Rs.6 lakh each for the families of the deceased, up to Rs 75,000 for the injured and disabled, Rs 9.07 crore in livelihood assistance, and Rs 3.98 crore toward house rent support.
CM Vijayan also highlighted the ongoing construction of a model township with 410 residential units and basic amenities. An additional Rs.15 lakh was provided to each of the 104 families who opted out of the housing scheme.
He added that Rs. 43.56 crore had been allocated for land acquisition and Rs. 20 crore for the township project—demonstrating the “government’s commitment to rebuilding lives and ensuring no survivor was left behind.”