A new landslide has rattled the Karimattam forest region near Chooralmala in Wayanad, rekindling fears just a year after the deadly 2024 tragedy that claimed 254 lives. The latest slip occurred on May 28 amid heavy showers, but local authorities were informed only on May 30, highlighting ongoing gaps in real-time monitoring.

The incident took place in the secluded Vellarimala Malavaram zone of Vythiri taluk. As per Wayanad District Collector Dr. Meghasree, the site lies deep within the Nilambur Kovilakam degraded forest, making both access and early detection extremely difficult. Thankfully, no human settlements were directly impacted.

After the delay in notification, a response team of geologists and forest staff under the District Disaster Management Authority began inspection on May 31. Accompanied by forest station personnel, the team managed to reach within 2.5 km of the impact zone. They confirmed that nearby hamlets were not in danger.

Officials observed that the affected hillside forms the origin of a stream that eventually feeds into the Chaliyar River via Aranappuzha—raising concerns of downstream ecological effects.

In a proactive step, the Kerala government will install an advanced X-Band Doppler Weather Radar at Pazhassi Raja College in Pulppalli. A three-way agreement involving the state, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and the college is to be signed. The Sulthan Bathery Diocese has offered the land freely for three decades.

The IMD and Kerala State Disaster Management Authority will also aid the college in launching a professional disaster preparedness course.

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