Wayanad's Deadly Landslides: The Impact of Climate Change and Human Activity

A heavy burst of rainfall, exacerbated by climate change, triggered deadly landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district, highlighting the region's vulnerability. A study attributes a 10% increase in rainfall intensity to climate change, while human activities like quarrying and deforestation have heightened landslide risks.

Kerala's Wayanad district recently experienced fatal landslides, provoked by intense rainfall that's been intensified by climate change, according to a new study by global scientists.

The researchers, hailing from India, Sweden, the US, and the UK, reported that over 140 mm of rainfall in a single day overwhelmed already saturated soils, leading to landslides and floods that claimed over 231 lives. The study underscores the urgency for preparedness against similar future disasters in northern Kerala.

World Weather Attribution scientists employed high-resolution climate models to measure human-induced climate change's impact. Their findings indicate a 10% increase in rainfall intensity due to global warming, with further increases expected. Despite uncertainties due to the study area's complexity, the results align with broader scientific evidence linking a warming atmosphere to extreme weather events.

Additional factors like deforestation and quarrying were also found to contribute to landslide risk in Wayanad. For instance, forest cover in the district has decreased by 62% since 1950. This deforestation, coupled with rising sea temperatures, exacerbates the formation of deep cloud systems, leading to severe rainfall events.

(With inputs from agencies.)