Wayanad Landslide: ISRO Releases Images Of Before & After The Disaster

Following an unfortunate incident of severe landslides, which occurred at Wayanad, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has recently published high-resolution images.

These images disclose that intense rainfall caused a significant debris flow near Chooralmala town.

As per NRSC (National Remote Sensing Center), the landslide originated from a region previously impacted by an earlier landslide.  ‘The crown zone is an area activated from an older landslide.’

Further, the flow caused the widening of the Iruvanipuzha river. As a result, the flow breached its banks. Thus, destroying nearby homes and infrastructure.

Also Read: Wayanad Landslides Death Toll Rises To 308

Images captured prior the landslide was taken by Cartosat 3 on May 22, 2023 and its aftermath was captured by VHR RISAT SAR on July 31. The latter image reflects the scale of damage, which has been caused by landslide.

As per 3D model of landslide’s crown, a significant portion of the hill slope has been affected.

Meanwhile, the ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre’s landslide atlas has recently revealed that out of 30, 10 landslide prone districts are located in Kerala. The affected district Wayanad comes under 13th rank.

According to 2021 study, the landslide spots of the state are located in western ghats. These spots include  Idukki, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram district.

As per 2022 study, from 1950 to 2018, Wayanad’s forest cover has been diminished by 62 percent. In contrast, plantation areas grew by 1,800 percent. Earlier, till 1950s, 85 percent of Wayanad was covered by forest.

Must Read: Wayanad Landslides: Army Rescues 4 Survivors, Including 2 Women, from Debris

In addition, high population & household density of Kerala western ghats has now enhanced the vulnerability of the people.