Why are the incidents of landslides increasing in Wayanad? Understand with the help of science

It rained in Kerala's Wayanad on the midnight of July 30. Heavy rains triggered landslides and mudslides created a ghastly scene of devastation. More than 300 people lost their lives in the scene. Many families have lost their loved ones in this incident. Landslides are not a big deal in the hilly areas of Wayanad district.

There have been similar reports of landslides from this area before. However, the death toll in these incidents was much lower than the recent incident. In such a situation, the question is why this southern district is being affected by landslides? By understanding this we will also know what are the other causes of landslides.

Mining of rocks

In hilly areas blasting is used for rock mining or breaking mountains. This type of explosion creates a kind of vibration. The mountain collapses due to this vibration. But the impact of tremors is not limited to mountains. Instead its effect extends over areas of several kilometers. A powerful explosion causes the earth to shake and then crack slightly. After this if it rains heavily somewhere, the water enters these cracks and creates a big flood.

Changing rainfall patterns

The incidence of landslides is increasing in Kerala. There are many other reasons for this besides rock mining. One of the reasons is deforestation. Kerala is known for tea cultivation since last century. But the forests are also being cut down at a fast pace in recent times. Due to which the climate in the state has changed and due to this the rainfall pattern has also changed. Due to which the incidents of landslides are increasing in the steep areas.

Poor soil becomes flooded

The district lies on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The slope is very steep. These areas have many valleys and hills. Due to which the possibility of landslides in such areas also increases. Wayanad endures heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. Sometimes more than 2000 mm of rain falls here. Due to which the soil there becomes saturated. Due to which the soil starts to erode.

This district has mostly laterite soil. This means very weak and erosive soil. When it is saturated with rain, it increases in weight. But with increasing weight, the strength of this soil decreases, increasing the likelihood of landslides.