Wayanad Landslides: As rescue efforts continue in the landslide-hit region of Wayanad, a new concern has emerged: the influx of 'dark' tourists. This surge in visitors has prompted local police to issue a stern warning against visiting the disaster area, as it could hinder ongoing rescue operations.


In a social media post on 'X' (formerly Twitter), Kerala Police urged the public to stay away from the affected zones. "Please refrain from visiting disaster areas for sightseeing. It will disrupt rescue operations. For assistance, dial 112," the message read.






Casualties and Ongoing Rescue Operations


The situation in Wayanad remains dire, with at least 300 confirmed deaths and over 200 injuries following major landslides near Meppadi. Kerala Health Minister Veena George provided the grim statistics, highlighting the scale of the disaster. The army has managed to rescue approximately 1,000 individuals, but 220 people are still missing as the rescue operations enter their third day. The heavy rains on Tuesday triggered three devastating landslides, significantly affecting the villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha.


However, recent rise in visitors as dark tourists is hindering rescue operations, as per state police. Let us understand what is dark tourism is all about. 


Understanding Dark Tourism


Dark tourism refers to the practice of visiting locations associated with death, tragedy, or disaster. This trend has gained traction through media, such as TV shows such as 'Chernobyl' and 'The Dark Tourist'. Dark tourism sites include cemeteries, disaster zones, battlefields, memorials, prisons, execution sites, and crime scenes.


Notable examples of dark tourism sites include:



  • Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Poland: A somber reminder of the Holocaust.

  • Chernobyl, Ukraine: Site of the catastrophic nuclear disaster.

  • Ground Zero, New York: Memorial for the 9/11 attack victims.

  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Japan: Commemorates the atomic bombing victims of 1945.


Popularity of Dark Tourism


Dark tourism attracts visitors by offering emotional connections to sites of tragedy. People seek to engage deeply with the history and culture of these locations, connecting with the emotions of those who experienced the events. These visits allow for tangible engagement with the past, respect for the deceased, and reflection on historical significance.


These sites provide unique, often haunting experiences that differ from typical tourist attractions. They spark curiosity due to their unusual nature and prompt introspection about life and mortality, serving as a 'reality check' for many visitors.


Role of Social Media


Social media significantly boosts the visibility and popularity of dark tourism destinations. Posts, photos, and videos shared by users generate interest and curiosity, encouraging others to visit. Influencers, in particular, play a major role in this trend, often visiting dark tourism sites for content creation rather than educational purposes. This can lead to a focus on aesthetics and personal branding over respectful engagement with the site’s history.


Call for Caution


As rescue operations continue in Wayanad, authorities stress the importance of keeping the area clear of tourists. The focus remains on finding and aiding those affected by the disaster, and any interference could jeopardise these critical efforts.