From Wayanad to Kedarnath, 10 most devastating landslides in Indian history
On July 30, 2024, a series of devastating landslides struck the villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Meppadi in Wayanad district, Kerala. Torrents of mud, water, and boulders cascaded down the hillsides, resulting in widespread destruction. The disaster has claimed over 300 lives, with many more reported missing.
Landslides are among the most catastrophic natural disasters, often causing immense destruction and loss of life. India, with its diverse geography and climatic conditions, has experienced several devastating landslides throughout history. Each disaster tells a story of nature's overwhelming power and the profound impact on communities. From the recent tragedy in Wayanad to the historic Guwahati landslide, these events have shaped the country's landscape and left lasting scars. Let's take a look the ten most devastating landslides in Indian history. (Image: PTI)
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Wayanad Landslide (2024): On July 30, 2024, a series of devastating landslides struck the villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Meppadi in Wayanad district, Kerala. Torrents of mud, water, and boulders cascaded down the hillsides, resulting in widespread destruction. The disaster has claimed over 300 lives, with many more reported missing. The extensive damage to infrastructure has prompted a large-scale rescue and relief operation to support the affected population. (Image: PTI)
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Manipur Landslide (2022): In 2022, a large landslide in Noney district, Manipur, caused by extreme weather conditions, resulted in over 50 deaths, including 29 Indian Army personnel. The landslide caused severe property destruction and complicated rescue efforts due to extensive debris. (Image: AFP)
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Pettimudi Landslide (2020): In Idukki district, Kerala, the Pettimudi landslide was triggered by heavy monsoon rains, causing a boulder from the Iravikulam National Park to crash into the Pettimudi river. The landslide destroyed labor camps two kilometres downstream, resulting in over 60 fatalities and extensive damage to the surrounding area. (Image: AFP)
Malin Landslide (2014): On July 30, 2014, a landslide struck the village of Malin in Maharashtra’s Ambegaon taluka. The landslide, which occurred early in the morning while residents were asleep, was caused by intense rainfall and resulted in at least 151 deaths. (Image: AFP)
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Kedarnath Landslide (2013): In June 2013, a cloudburst in Uttarakhand caused catastrophic floods and landslides, marking one of India’s worst natural disasters since the 2004 tsunami. The event resulted in the presumed deaths of more than 5,700 people and caused extensive damage to the holy town of Kedarnath.(Image: AFP)
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Amboori Landslide (2001): In Kerala, a devastating landslide triggered by heavy rainfall resulted in the collapse of a hill onto a house during a family gathering. The incident led to the death of 40 people and caused extensive damage to property and agricultural land in the vicinity.(Image: AFP)
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Mumbai Landslide (2000): In Ghatkopar, Mumbai, land erosion caused by heavy rains and flooding, coinciding with high tide in the Arabian Sea, led to a landslide that killed over 70 people and injured seven, illustrating the combined impact of severe weather and urban vulnerability.(Image: AFP)
Malpa Landslide (1998): The Malpa landslide in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, occurred when a massive landslide engulfed an entire village. The disaster claimed over 250 lives, including 60 pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar, and caused widespread devastation in the area. (Representative Image: Canva)
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Darjeeling Landslide (1968): In Darjeeling, West Bengal, incessant rainfall triggered a catastrophic landslide that resulted in massive destruction. The landslide caused thousands of fatalities and severely impacted the region's infrastructure, leading to significant disruptions in the daily lives of the affected communities. (Representative Image: Canva)
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Guwahati Landslide (1948): In 1948, a landslide in Guwahati, Assam, triggered by heavy rainfall and unstable terrain, led to substantial loss of life and property damage. The disaster resulted in over 500 casualties and significant regional displacement and disruption. (Representative Image: Canva)
