Kerala: Vilangad Residents Struggle To Rebuild Lives After July 30 Landslides

The landslide, which occurred in the Manjacheel area, demolished Malayangad bridge and caused significant damage to four houses along the riverbank.

The residents of Vilangad in Kozhikode district are grappling with the aftermath of a devastating landslide that struck on July 30, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The landslide, which occurred in the Manjacheel area, demolished the Malayangad bridge and caused significant damage to four houses along the riverbank. Residents in the affected area have since been relocated, but the impact of the disaster continues to weigh heavily on the community.

One of the victims of the landslide shared the challenges they are facing in the wake of the disaster. "We lost many vehicles from this side. Students were using laptops and mobile phones, but even though they had insurance, the process has been difficult. The insurance authorities ask for proof, but we are struggling to locate some of the lost vehicles," the resident said.

"We lost six vehicles in total—three of which are still missing. The government needs to step in with support, especially for students and families who have lost everything."

The psychological toll has also been significant, with some residents experiencing severe stress and anxiety. "Both my sons have been admitted to Baby Memorial Hospital in Kannur. They haven't been well since that day, with the elder one unable to sleep properly due to the shock," the resident added, calling for the government to provide comprehensive support and assistance to those affected.

Another resident recounted the financial losses they incurred due to the landslide. "My losses amount to around Rs 6 lakhs. I had everything in my shop. Officials visited our village to assess the damage, and I submitted a detailed report of my losses," they said.

Wayanad Landslides

In Kerala's Wayanad district, search operations have entered their 15th day as authorities continue to look for over 128 people who went missing following a catastrophic landslide on July 30. The disaster, which has been described as the biggest natural calamity to hit the state in a single location, has claimed 416 lives so far.

A team of top experts, led by John Mathas, a veteran former scientist at the National Centre for Earth Science Studies, is set to inspect the worst-affected areas on Tuesday. Their primary objective will be to assess the damage and determine the necessary steps to rebuild the affected villages. The team will also evaluate the condition of partially damaged houses to decide whether they can be repaired or need to be demolished.