After over a decade of ignored warnings, a catastrophic landslide swept away much of the village of Mundakkai, India, in late July. Around 200 people were killed, with many more missing. As residents begin the recovery process, government officials seek to identify a cause for the extent of the disaster, with much evidence pointing to one culprit: overdevelopment.
On Sunday, July 28th, heavy rains loosened dirt and boulders, sending a powerful river of mud and debris downhill toward the village of Mundakkai in the Wayanad area of the state of Kerala. Being situated at the base of the Ghat Mountains in western India, the area is no stranger to landslides. Nevertheless, this most recent event was especially devastating due to the destruction of natural structures that typically lessen landslide severity.
The scenic nature of the area has drawn scores of tourists to the region in the past decade, sparking a development boom that local authorities say the sensitive and fragile environment cannot support. Hills have been flattened, forests have been extensively removed, and natural waterways have been blocked in an attempt to accommodate the new tourism infrastructure. However, these natural features have typically acted as barriers to landslides, reducing their impact on surrounding towns.
Government reports have been warning against over-developing the area for 13 years. Local officials expressed concern over the unsustainable influx of tourists just weeks before the landslide occurred. Similarly, ecologists and environmental groups had advised against “unchecked tourism,” recommending that 60% of the mountain range be protected from development in 2011. Areas adjacent to the mountain range, however, wanted to reduce that percentage in hopes of developing and strengthening their economy through the tourism industry.
Experts hope this tragedy will raise awareness of the balance between preserving natural barriers to disasters while allowing the economic benefits of tourism to continue.
By Sarah Ortega