PROTECT SOIL AFTER A YEAR OF LANDSLIDES
The Morning Standard|December 22, 2024
YEAR 2024 saw huge landslides in several places across India, causing death, injury and devastation to people and animals.
NANDITHA KRISHNA
PROTECT SOIL AFTER A YEAR OF LANDSLIDES

EAR 2024 saw huge landslides in several places across India, causing death, injury and devastation to people and animals. July was perhaps the cruellest month for it. On the 16th of the month, a landslide in Shirur in Karnataka resulted in nine deaths. According to the Geological Survey, it was caused by a mix of construction work being carried out by the National Highways Authority and heavy rainfall.

It was a similar story in some other parts of the country, too. A series of nine landslides caused by heavy rains occurred in Vilangad, Kerala at the end of the month, resulting in several deaths. Thirteen houses were destroyed and many were partially damaged.

India's deadliest landslide ever also occurred at the end of this July in Wayanad. Again, heavy rains made the hillsides collapse. It caused 254 fatalities and 397 injuries. Heavy rains are common in this region of Kerala, but landslides of such a scale were unknown. Deforestation and excessive construction were the main causes.

In December, a landslide occurred in the rocky Thiruvannamalai on the slopes of the Annamalaiyar Hill, after a heavy rainfall unusual for the region. Seven persons died after a boulder fell on their house. Another landslide occurred the next day. The cause, again, was excessive construction.

This story is from the December 22, 2024 edition of The Morning Standard.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 22, 2024 edition of The Morning Standard.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE MORNING STANDARDView All
Engineering the Actor Within
The Morning Standard

Engineering the Actor Within

Parvati Nair talks about her latest film Mr Rani, her career so far, and multiple projects on her plate.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 05, 2025
It's a Bling Thing
The Morning Standard

It's a Bling Thing

From preppy fashion accessories to elevated essentials, designer Tiara Dhody's latest chic bijouterie works as a serotonin booster

time-read
2 mins  |
January 05, 2025
The Sun and Stars of Inside Living
The Morning Standard

The Sun and Stars of Inside Living

A home is a compelling personal statement of the owner's personality. How doing it up by zodiac sign can unleash the full potential of colours, shapes and textures

time-read
3 mins  |
January 05, 2025
More than Just History
The Morning Standard

More than Just History

Though the writing begins with a little uncertainty, the author hits her stride quickly building on extensive research

time-read
3 mins  |
January 05, 2025
How the Mesopotamians Imagined Earth
The Morning Standard

How the Mesopotamians Imagined Earth

The Mesopotamian civilisation, which civilisation, arose around 3400 BC, was one of the earliest urban civilisations.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 05, 2025
The Power to Rise Above Loss
The Morning Standard

The Power to Rise Above Loss

Children, some people say, \"We lead an ethical life. We do not betray or harm anyone.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 05, 2025
Making 2025 Your Best Year
The Morning Standard

Making 2025 Your Best Year

Eleven infallible strategies to transform New Year resolutions into habits

time-read
3 mins  |
January 05, 2025
Her Cakes, Her Cakewalk
The Morning Standard

Her Cakes, Her Cakewalk

Mumbai's queen of confectionery completes two inspired decades of baking sweet somethings for movie stars and celebrity tycoons who get their sugar hit from her little empire.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 05, 2025
Wild and High
The Morning Standard

Wild and High

Tucked away from the well-worn tourist paths of Madhya Pradesh's Kanha and Bandhavgarh lies Satpura's hidden gem the Denwa Backwater Escape.

time-read
1 min  |
January 05, 2025
Till Resignation Does Us Part
The Morning Standard

Till Resignation Does Us Part

Workplace duos aren't a new phenomenon, and in recent years they've become increasingly prevalent

time-read
2 mins  |
January 05, 2025