Two years have passed since the catastrophic landslides devastated the quiet villages of Mundakkai and Chooralmala in Wayanad, Kerala. On July 30, 2024, twin landslides triggered by extreme rainfall reshaped the landscape forever, leaving behind scars that time has yet to heal.
The Timeline of Destruction
- 1:45 AM — First Strike at Punchirimattam: The disaster began high up in the hills of Punchirimattam. A massive torrent of mud, water, and boulders swept downstream, completely wiping out homes, shops, and infrastructure in Punchirimattam and upper Mundakkai.
- 3:30 AM — Second Landslide at Chooralmala: The debris, uprooted trees, and mud accumulated below Mundakkai breached again, surging into Chooralmala town. The famous Vellarmala School, the local market, and dozens of riverside homes were completely destroyed.
- Tragedy Along the Chaliyar: The sheer force of the floodwaters carried many victims tens of kilometers downstream, with bodies and remains recovered days later from the Chaliyar River in neighboring Malappuram district.
Key Figures & Unanswered Questions
298 Official fatalities recorded | 32 Persons remain officially missing
Among those missing is Ramaswamy, a local resident from Punchirimattam who had appeared on news broadcasts on July 29 warning about the rising, ferocious waters of the Punnapuzha River. He was swept away hours later and remains #1 on the list of missing persons.
Reconstruction Status & Ground Reality
| Area | Current Status |
| Chooralmala Bridge | Contract awarded to replace the temporary Bailey bridge with a permanent structure. |
| Road Infrastructure | Work is currently underway to reconstruct the main access roads and the town center. |
| Vellarmala School & Town | The ruins of the school and former residential areas remain overgrown, serving as stark memorials. |
| Punnapuzha River Restoration | Riverbed clearing and embankment restoration work remains partially complete. |
While physical infrastructure and township rehabilitation efforts progress, residents and survivors acknowledge that the vibrant, tight-knit communities of Mundakkai and Chooralmala can never fully return to what they once were.
