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A recent study conducted by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) has found that the devastating landslides in Wayanad, which claimed over 200 lives, were significantly affected by climate change. On July 30, the district received 140 mm of rainfall in just one day, making it the third heaviest single-day rainfall ever recorded. This rainfall, the study said, was a rare event that would occur only once in 50 years. However, climate change has intensified such events, making them more frequent.
The role of climate change in increasing rainfall
The WWA study found that human-induced climate change contributed to a 10% increase in the intensity of rainfall that triggered the landslides. The researchers warn that as global temperatures continue to rise, Kerala could experience even more intense, single-day rainfall events. If global temperatures rise by 2°C above pre-industrial levels, the study predicts an additional 4% increase in rainfall intensity, further increasing the risk of landslides in the region.
Environmental factors contributing to landslide susceptibility
The study also points to environmental degradation as a major factor in Wayanad’s increased vulnerability to landslides. Mining for construction materials and a significant reduction in forest cover—62 percent between 1950 and 2018—have weakened the region’s slopes, making them more susceptible to collapse during heavy rains. The combination of climate change and these environmental issues has created a perfect storm for such disasters.
Recommendations for preventive measures
In light of these findings, WWA highlights the urgent need for preventive measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on Wayanad and similar regions. The study suggests strengthening vulnerable slopes, implementing early warning systems for landslides, and building retaining structures to protect at-risk communities. In addition, the researchers call for more rigorous landslide risk assessments, tighter controls on slope construction, and efforts to reduce deforestation and quarrying to prevent future disasters.
The WWA findings highlight the growing risks of climate change and environmental degradation. The tragic events in Wayanad serve as a critical reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect vulnerable regions from the increasing threat of extreme weather events.
