Heavy rain triggers fresh flood fears in Wayanad’s Chooralmala
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Wayanad: Intense rainfall over the past 24 hours has sparked fears of renewed floods and landslides in the Mundakkai-Chooralmala region of Wayanad, Kerala, nearly a year after the area was devastated by deadly landslides that claimed over 200 lives.
Residents reported hearing a loud rumble on Wednesday morning, followed by the strong stench of marshland from the hills—echoing traumatic memories of the 2024 tragedy. Although local concerns were heightened, officials have confirmed that no new landslides or cracks have been reported in the area.
Wayanad District Collector D R Meghashree urged the public to stay calm but remain vigilant. “There’s no need for concern at this point. We have thoroughly inspected the area, including up to the Punchirimattom bridge. No new cracks have been observed. What has come down is debris from last year’s landslide,” she told reporters.
The Collector said there are no current plans to deploy the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), but reiterated that people must avoid restricted areas. Labourers working in the region will not be allowed back until the rains subside. “A decision regarding their livelihood support will be taken in consultation with the government,” she added.
While Sultan Bathery remains unaffected, heavy rainfall continues in Mananthavady. The Collector stated there is currently no flooding or need to open relief camps, though the situation is being closely monitored and a decision will be made after the evening review.
Authorities said the Chooralmala River is flowing in spate, with muddy waters breaching the banks near the Bailey bridge. Soil stored along both riverbanks for renovation has been washed away, flooding parts of Attamala Road and nearby areas.
Earlier in the day, residents told TV channels they believed fresh landslides had occurred, especially in the forested hills near Punchirimattam. However, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) later clarified: “There are no confirmed new landslides. The debris from previous events is being washed down by the rain. This process may continue until all eroded material is cleared.”
Local anxiety remains high, as many recall the July 2024 catastrophe that destroyed homes, injured dozens, and displaced hundreds.
Flash floods in the hills are being attributed to widespread rainfall, and district authorities are maintaining high alert across vulnerable zones. Further downstream, the Kabani River is rising steadily at Mananthavady and Panamaram. With the Banasura Sagar Dam nearing full capacity, a red alert has been issued for adjacent areas.
Meanwhile, protests broke out in parts of Chooralmala on Wednesday as residents accused the government of delay in rehabilitation efforts and alleged the authorities arrived late despite being alerted early in the morning. Police, fire force, and village officials were briefly blocked before they assured protestors that their concerns would be addressed promptly.
In a related development, the Kerala cabinet has approved debris clearance in the Punnapuzha River in Meppadi Grama Panchayat, which was heavily affected by the 2024 landslide. The work, estimated at ₹195.50 crore, has been entrusted to the Uralungal Labour Contract Society, the Chief Minister’s Office said in a statement.
With PTI inputs
