On Tuesday, Wayanad district in Kerala faced a devastating disaster due to severe landslides. This tragedy was caused by extremely heavy rainfall, a vulnerable landscape prone to landslides, and increasing population pressures. It's one of the worst disasters Kerala has seen in recent years, with over 100 people confirmed dead so far. The heavy rains, which were about five times more than usual, began early Tuesday morning, leading to multiple landslides.

Wayanad and much of western Kerala are particularly susceptible to landslides because of their hilly terrain. The district received over 140 mm of rain in just 24 hours, causing the soil to become oversaturated. This weakened the bond between the soil and the hard rocks beneath it, resulting in landslides.

Experts believe this might be the worst landslide-related disaster the state has experienced. They highlight the need for stricter land-use regulations and better planning to map out potential landslide routes. Despite predictions of heavy rains, a comprehensive mitigation plan was lacking, contributing to the severity of the disaster. Improved rainfall thresholds and route mapping could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.