Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide: assessment of initiation, progression, and impact

Abstract Globally, the emergence of multi-hazard scenarios and cascaded disasters is significantly rising . During the 2024 monsoon in Wayanad District, Kerala, India, torrential rainfall triggered landslides, erosion, and flash floods, resulting in over 400 deaths. This prompted a study on (a) land...

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Main Authors: Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh, Hari Chandana Ekkirala, Balmukund Singh, Nitin Kumar M, Sabari Ramesh, Aadityan Sridharan, Nirmala Vasudevan, Sudesh Kumar Wadhawan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07828-3
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author Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh
Hari Chandana Ekkirala
Balmukund Singh
Nitin Kumar M
Sabari Ramesh
Aadityan Sridharan
Nirmala Vasudevan
Sudesh Kumar Wadhawan
author_facet Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh
Hari Chandana Ekkirala
Balmukund Singh
Nitin Kumar M
Sabari Ramesh
Aadityan Sridharan
Nirmala Vasudevan
Sudesh Kumar Wadhawan
author_sort Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Globally, the emergence of multi-hazard scenarios and cascaded disasters is significantly rising . During the 2024 monsoon in Wayanad District, Kerala, India, torrential rainfall triggered landslides, erosion, and flash floods, resulting in over 400 deaths. This prompted a study on (a) landslide initiation, (b) progression, (c) impact zones, and (d) disaster risk reduction strategies. A multidimensional landslide assessment framework was adopted encompassing hydrometeorology, geology, geotechnical, geomorphology, and damage assessment. Expert consultations and literature review were employed for parameter selection, followed by (a) field investigation and stakeholder interactions, (b) data acquisition via remote sensing, gauge stations, and laboratory tests, (c) data processing and analysis through correlation studies, geotectonic mapping, hydro-meteorological and slope stability modeling, and morphometric analysis, (d) validation using field observations, statistical and modelling outputs, and (e) formulation of recommendations. Findings indicate 280% rainfall increase on July 29th, and extensive 15-day antecedent rain causing oversaturation and triggering the event. Geomorphometric analysis shows regional lineaments influenced by a high bifurcation ratio and drainage density, accelerated debris flow into a channel-confined flash flood. Over 200 buildings were impacted along a six km runout path. This study recommends higher rain gauge density, pore pressure monitoring, and a multi-hazard approach to strengthen early warning and preparedness in the Wayanad region.
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spelling doaj-art-c998369c81fd426eb51d22126df9b9c52025-08-20T03:04:38ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-0115111910.1038/s41598-025-07828-3Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide: assessment of initiation, progression, and impactManeesha Vinodini Ramesh0Hari Chandana Ekkirala1Balmukund Singh2Nitin Kumar M3Sabari Ramesh4Aadityan Sridharan5Nirmala Vasudevan6Sudesh Kumar Wadhawan7Center for Wireless Networks and Applications (WNA)Center for Wireless Networks and Applications (WNA)Center for Wireless Networks and Applications (WNA)Center for Wireless Networks and Applications (WNA)Center for Wireless Networks and Applications (WNA)Center for Wireless Networks and Applications (WNA)Center for Wireless Networks and Applications (WNA)Center for Wireless Networks and Applications (WNA)Abstract Globally, the emergence of multi-hazard scenarios and cascaded disasters is significantly rising . During the 2024 monsoon in Wayanad District, Kerala, India, torrential rainfall triggered landslides, erosion, and flash floods, resulting in over 400 deaths. This prompted a study on (a) landslide initiation, (b) progression, (c) impact zones, and (d) disaster risk reduction strategies. A multidimensional landslide assessment framework was adopted encompassing hydrometeorology, geology, geotechnical, geomorphology, and damage assessment. Expert consultations and literature review were employed for parameter selection, followed by (a) field investigation and stakeholder interactions, (b) data acquisition via remote sensing, gauge stations, and laboratory tests, (c) data processing and analysis through correlation studies, geotectonic mapping, hydro-meteorological and slope stability modeling, and morphometric analysis, (d) validation using field observations, statistical and modelling outputs, and (e) formulation of recommendations. Findings indicate 280% rainfall increase on July 29th, and extensive 15-day antecedent rain causing oversaturation and triggering the event. Geomorphometric analysis shows regional lineaments influenced by a high bifurcation ratio and drainage density, accelerated debris flow into a channel-confined flash flood. Over 200 buildings were impacted along a six km runout path. This study recommends higher rain gauge density, pore pressure monitoring, and a multi-hazard approach to strengthen early warning and preparedness in the Wayanad region.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07828-3LandslideSlope instabilityEarly warning systemIntegrated platformDisaster resilienceRainfall thresholds
spellingShingle Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh
Hari Chandana Ekkirala
Balmukund Singh
Nitin Kumar M
Sabari Ramesh
Aadityan Sridharan
Nirmala Vasudevan
Sudesh Kumar Wadhawan
Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide: assessment of initiation, progression, and impact
Scientific Reports
Landslide
Slope instability
Early warning system
Integrated platform
Disaster resilience
Rainfall thresholds
title Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide: assessment of initiation, progression, and impact
title_full Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide: assessment of initiation, progression, and impact
title_fullStr Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide: assessment of initiation, progression, and impact
title_full_unstemmed Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide: assessment of initiation, progression, and impact
title_short Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide: assessment of initiation, progression, and impact
title_sort mundakkai chooralmala landslide assessment of initiation progression and impact
topic Landslide
Slope instability
Early warning system
Integrated platform
Disaster resilience
Rainfall thresholds
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07828-3
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