Kerala's Landslide Vulnerability: An In-Depth Look at ISRO's Latest Findings

Abhinand PS
Aug 4, 2024
3 min read

Kerala's Landslide Vulnerability: Insights from ISRO's Landslide Atlas

Introduction

Landslides pose a significant threat to many regions in India, particularly in the Western Ghats. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has highlighted this issue in its latest Landslide Atlas, which identifies 13 districts in Kerala as highly vulnerable. This article delves into the details of ISRO's findings and explores the reasons behind Kerala's susceptibility to landslides.

The Scope of ISRO's Landslide Atlas

ISRO's Landslide Atlas provides a comprehensive analysis of landslide-prone regions across India. It maps around 80,000 landslides that have occurred between 1998 and 2022, covering 17 states and 2 union territories. This extensive database includes seasonal, event-based, and route-wise inventories of landslides, offering valuable insights into the geographical and socio-economic factors contributing to landslide risks.

Kerala's High-Risk Districts

According to the atlas, 13 out of 14 districts in Kerala are among the top 50 most vulnerable regions in India. Thrissur is particularly notable, ranking third after Rudraprayag and Tehri Garhwal in Uttarakhand. The primary reasons for this high vulnerability include:

Geographical Features: The Western Ghats' hilly terrain and steep slopes are prone to landslides, especially during the monsoon season.
Heavy Rainfall: Kerala receives substantial rainfall, which can trigger landslides by saturating the soil and weakening its structure.
Human Activities: Deforestation, construction, and other development activities disrupt the natural stability of the land, increasing the risk of landslides.

The Impact of Landslides in Kerala

Landslides in Kerala have led to significant loss of life and property. The devastating floods of 2018, for instance, were exacerbated by numerous landslides. These disasters highlight the urgent need for effective mitigation and preparedness strategies.

Mitigation Measures and Recommendations

To address the landslide risk, experts recommend several measures:

Sustainable Development: Limiting construction in high-risk areas and promoting eco-friendly practices can help maintain the natural balance of the region.
Early Warning Systems: Implementing advanced landslide detection and warning systems can provide timely alerts to residents and authorities.
Reforestation: Planting trees and restoring vegetation can stabilize the soil and reduce the likelihood of landslides.
Public Awareness: Educating communities about the risks and safety measures associated with landslides is crucial for minimizing harm.

Conclusion

ISRO's Landslide Atlas serves as a crucial tool for understanding and addressing the landslide risks in Kerala. By implementing the recommended mitigation strategies and promoting sustainable development, it is possible to reduce the impact of these natural disasters and protect the lives and properties of those living in vulnerable regions.

FAQs

Q1: What is the primary cause of landslides in Kerala? A1: Heavy rainfall and human activities like deforestation and construction are the primary causes of landslides in Kerala.

Q2: Which district in Kerala is most vulnerable to landslides? A2: Thrissur is one of the most vulnerable districts in Kerala, ranking third in ISRO's Landslide Atlas.

Q3: How does deforestation contribute to landslides? A3: Deforestation removes vegetation that helps stabilize the soil, making the land more prone to sliding during heavy rains.

Q4: What are some mitigation measures for landslides? A4: Mitigation measures include sustainable development, early warning systems, reforestation, and public awareness campaigns.

Q5: How can early warning systems help in landslide-prone areas? A5: Early warning systems can provide timely alerts to residents and authorities, allowing for evacuation and other preventive measures to be taken in advance.

By addressing these key points, we can better understand and mitigate the risks associated with landslides in Kerala. For more detailed information, refer to the sources provided by ISRO and other expert organizations (ISRO) (National Remote Sensing Centre) (AGU Blogosphere) (FedNews) (https://www.oneindia.com/).