Wayanad Landslides: Climate Change Drastically Changing Rainfall Patterns in Region, Say Experts
Wayanad district in Kerala is grappling with one of the most devastating landslides in its history, triggered by relentless monsoon rains. In the early hours of July 30, multiple landslides swept through several villages, claiming over 250 lives, injuring many, and leaving more than 200 missing. This tragedy underscores the urgent need to address the root causes of such disasters: erratic rainfall patterns driven by global warming and unchecked human activities.
Kerala, which typically receives the second-highest monsoon rainfall in India, has experienced a deficit this year, reflecting a worrying trend of changing monsoon patterns. Between June 1 and July 30, the state recorded 1,222.5 mm of rainfall, falling short of the average 1,283.5 mm. This deficit is part of a broader pattern of spatial variability, with some districts experiencing excessive rainfall while others face shortfalls.
According to Akshay Deoras, a research scientist at the University of Reading, UK, the occurrence of extreme weather scenarios within the same state highlights the increasing intensity of monsoon variability due to global warming. The rise in global temperatures has led to more frequent extreme rainfall events, as noted in the report 'Climate Change Assessment over the Indian Region'. This increased variability poses significant flood risks across India.
Geographically, Kerala's unique positioning between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats makes it susceptible to heavy rains. Orographic rainfall, where mountains act as barriers to airflow, results in significant precipitation in these regions. However, recent extreme weather events, such as the devastating floods in 2018 and the heavy rainfall in 2019, suggest that climate change is amplifying these natural processes.
Mahesh Palawat from Skymet Weather emphasizes that monsoon patterns have become erratic, with heavy showers yet to surpass the average rainfall. The warming of the Arabian Sea is a critical factor, as it increases atmospheric moisture and destabilizes weather patterns. This, combined with unplanned development and deforestation, exacerbates the risk of landslides.
The Western Ghats, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, have seen a significant decline in forest cover due to deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion. From 1920 to 2013, Kerala experienced a 62.7% reduction in forested areas, further destabilizing the region. Experts like Professor Y P Sundriyal of HNB Garhwal University stress the need for better planning and implementation of infrastructure projects to prevent landslides.
Roxy Mathew Koll from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology advocates for deploying resources and technology to monitor and manage landslide-prone areas effectively. Early warning systems, sustainable land management practices, and climate-resilient infrastructure are crucial for mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events.
Anjal Prakash from the Indian School of Business highlights the importance of investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable land management. Reforestation, controlled deforestation, and sustainable agriculture can help maintain hillside stability and reduce soil erosion, thereby lessening the effects of heavy rains.
In conclusion, the Wayanad landslides are a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and unplanned human activities. By implementing effective solutions and promoting sustainable practices, we can mitigate the risks and protect vulnerable regions from future disasters.
Related Reads:
- Explore the comprehensive report on climate change impacts in Kerala and the rising frequency of extreme weather events.
- Learn about the efforts to develop early warning systems and sustainable land management practices in landslide-prone areas.
Stay Informed:
- Discover the latest research on the impact of global warming on monsoon patterns and rainfall variability.
- Stay updated on the initiatives to build climate-resilient infrastructure and promote sustainable development in vulnerable regions.
Erratic rain patterns due to global warming, coupled with land use change and unplanned development, are the main causes of landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. The district has experienced devastating landslides triggered by monsoon rains, resulting in over 250 deaths, numerous injuries, and more than 200 people missing. Kerala, known for its high monsoon rainfall, has seen a deficit this year, reflecting the variability in rainfall patterns. Experts suggest that the rise in extreme weather events in recent years, including heavy rainfall and floods, is linked to climate change. They emphasize the importance of addressing unplanned human activities, such as deforestation and poor infrastructure planning, to mitigate future risks. There is an urgent need for deploying solutions like early warning systems, sustainable land management, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
FAQs
Q: What are the primary causes of landslides in Wayanad? A: The primary causes are erratic rain patterns due to global warming, land use changes, and unplanned development.
Q: How has rainfall in Kerala changed recently? A: Kerala has seen a deficit in rainfall this year, with significant spatial variability, indicating a shift in monsoon patterns likely due to climate change.
Q: What role does climate change play in these landslides? A: Climate change leads to more extreme weather events, including intense rainfall, which increases the risk of landslides.
Q: How do human activities contribute to the problem? A: Deforestation, rapid urbanization, and poor planning exacerbate the risk of landslides by destabilizing the terrain.
Q: What solutions do experts recommend? A: Experts recommend early warning systems, sustainable land management, climate-resilient infrastructure, and better planning to mitigate the effects of heavy rains and landslides.
