It was around 1 am in the early hours of July 30th when Brahmacharini Deekshitamrita Chaitanya opened her eyes and could not fall back asleep. She is stationed at our Mananthavady Ashram in Kerala’s Wayanad district. It is a rural region known for its breathtaking forests and hills—a place where pre-historic tribal cultures still live in union with nature.
At the time, Bri Deekshitamrita didn’t know why she suddenly woke up. But shortly after, the devastating landslides began to hit other areas in the district. The village of Meppadi, where we have another Ashram, was one of the areas most devastated.
“By 6 am, my phone started ringing continuously with calls. The disaster occurred 12 kms away from the Meppadi Ashram. Initially, we were informed that a body was found, which didn’t convey the seriousness of the situation,” she explains.
“Later, we learned about several deaths and more bodies being found, which made us realise the extent of the disaster. Because it was a sudden calamity, those sleeping in their houses had no chance to call for help or even understand the situation.”
Disaster areas were sealed off by the Kerala government to protect survivors, however, members of AYUDH, our youth chapter, were permitted to assist rescue operations with the military and other systems. Many people were still trapped underground in the disaster area.
Our volunteers rushed to nearby Chooralmala—a location where about 86,000 square metres of land slipped out of place. They started helping recover the deceased, although no one was yet sure of the extent of the damage. They reported seeing several bodies, including those of children and described the situation as very distressing.
Some houses had only one survivor, while in others entire families perished. In some houses, everyone was saved.
Bri Deekshitamrita Chaitanya
Another primary duty was assisting in last rites with volunteers from Seva Bharati, a non-governmental organisation that works with economically weaker sections of society, including tribal communities. Seva Bharati managed the crematorium, and AYUDH helped by supplying firewood, gas cylinders, and other necessary items.
“One particularly heart-wrenching moment was seeing a 10-month-old baby’s body. During the cremation, the baby appeared as if it was sleeping. This was deeply moving for everyone involved, even those who regularly handle such duties,” says Premjith with AYUDH Wayanad.
“The area was home to both wealthy and poor people, but in the face of this disaster, everyone was equal. This was the first time we were dealing with such a disaster, and we were able to provide some help.”
AYUDH volunteers also assisted Amrita Hospital’s emergency response teams, cleared landslide debris in the disaster area, and collected trash that gathered in Meppadi town, especially since the plastic waste could lead to health problems.
But the most compassionate and crucial efforts came in the form of comforting the distressed in relief camps in Meppadi. Like a mother to her children, Bri Deekshitamrita went to each survivor and did her best to listen and console them. She led teams that reached about 400 people housed in a government school, while another 600 were accommodated in smaller schools and churches.
“A grandmother recounted how she fled with her granddaughter into the forest, standing before an elephant and asking it not to harm them. The elephant, without doing anything, stayed close to them until morning. After some time, people came to rescue them,” she shares.
Emotionless while speaking, a 14-year-old boy told Bri Deekshitamrita how he survived, but the rest of his family was gone. Another child told her that his father, mother, and brother were in the hospital, and he couldn’t sleep, as he could still hear the sound of the land slipping. Yet another survivor was in a mentally shattered state, and said, “Everyone is lost; why should we live?”
“The disaster has deeply affected the minds of the survivors, especially young children, and they need proper counseling as they are extremely frightened. Some people lost everything they had saved. I met newlyweds who had not even been married for a month, and then there were those who lost their spouses, parents, children and more,” says Bri Deekshitamrita.
“And yet, despite the disaster, the people were still inquiring about those who were not their relatives. Most of the displaced were tea plantation workers, as there was a tea factory there, so they lived together and went to the fields together, forming close bonds.”
The area was home to both wealthy and poor people, but in the face of this disaster, everyone was equal.
Premjith, AYUDH Wayanad
Work continues in the relief camps through counselling and providing essential supplies. Our volunteers are also assisting in last rites and prayers for the deceased who cannot be identified. As well, medical treatment by our disaster-response team is still underway, now stationed at the Amrita Kripa Charitable Hospital in Kalpetta, Wayanad’s capital.
Bri Deekshitamrita concludes by saying that she has learned a great lesson in observing all service providers who are working with utmost sincerity to comfort those in pain. From the military to the Ashram volunteers to the medical team with Amrita Hospital, they are carrying out their duties with profound dedication and compassion.
“People often stress over small things in life, but everything can end in an instant. We should live our lives with love and good deeds, as we are insignificant in the face of nature’s power. Remembering this lesson can help us live more meaningfully.”
