A Long Road to Recovery: Meppadi Parish Priest Shares Wayanad's Landslide Story

Wayanad, August 7, 2024: The landslides that struck Meppadi gram panchayat in Wayanad district of Kerala on July 30 have been declared as one of the worst disasters to hit the state. Over 1,000 special forces personnel are still struggling with search and rescue efforts on the eighth day of the landslide. In an interview with Catholic Connect, Fr. Sunny Abraham, parish priest of St. Joseph's Church in Meppadi, speaks to us about the extent of loss and rehabilitation challenges they face.

Can you help us understand the extent of destruction and loss caused by the landslides?

The landslides have wiped away three full villages out of existence. All that is left there is rubble and debris. Nearly 500 houses were swept away in the Mundakkai area alone. At least 392 individuals have died as on August 6. The true death toll, however, is feared to exceed 500, with many people still missing and undergoing emergency treatment.

How many people are estimated to have been displaced by the landslide?

Over 4,000 people have been displaced in total if not more. Camps around the affected area alone have 3,500 inmates. There are 80 camps set up all over Wayanad in which nearly 9,500 people are housed in total.

What measures are being planned to bring those affected back to their normal lives?

Remedial measures are still a long way off since the rescue and recovery process is still ongoing. The threat of epidemics looms large as we are still recovering decomposed corpses, mutilated body parts and many unclaimed bodies. Bodies are being recovered as far as 50 km away from where the landslide struck.

What initiatives are being taken by the Calicut diocese for the rescue and rehabilitation of the victims?

The diocese is actively involved along with other Catholic agencies. Our social work department is working in full swing. I am also area coordinator for the same. We are working to rehabilitate more than 20 families who lost everything from our parish alone. Our Bishop has offered to provide land to those affected. It is a timely offer, but we all need to collaborate to make it a success.

By Catholic Connect Reporter