On 30 July 2024, heavy rainfall triggered massive landslides in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. More than 400 people were killed and about 400 seriously injured. The area affected mostly consisted of tea farms built on steep slopes, and many of those who died worked in the farms, or were members of their families.

For her 71^st birthday, Amma pledged an aid package of ₹15 crores ($1.8 million) to support the survivors of the landslides and strengthen disaster resilience in the region. She shared her deep sorrow, saying that with the event scaled back the funds could then be redirected to the Ashram’s recovery efforts.

Amrita University will also deploy its advanced landslide early warning systems in Wayanad’s most vulnerable areas, to protect people from the growing threat of climate-change-induced disasters. Amma sent a team of scientists to assess the areas devastated and observe first-hand the aftermath.

When the landslides struck, Amma’s emergency response was immediate. The catastrophe began in the early hours, taking lives and destroying homes in the villages of Punjirimattom, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala.

Volunteers with the Wayanad Ashram went to relief camps to bring consolation and comfort to many who were suffering. Above all, they listened to the survivors in their shock and grieving.

Members of AYUDH, our youth wing, headed to the landslide site in Chooralmala to assist in search & relief. They also supported last rites at crematoriums by supplying firewood, gas cylinders, and other necessary items.

Amrita Hospital’s Disaster Management Medical Unit was dispatched on July 31 to provide free care from the village of Meppadi, one of the places worst hit. Three ambulances visited various relief camps to bring survivors for treatment.

The 35-member medical team included doctors, technicians, and paramedics. The unit, the size of a city bus, is equipped with comprehensive diagnostic facilities, including X-ray, ECG, ultrasound, echo, PFT, Doppler scan, and a high-speed laboratory. It also features a mini operation theatre and telemedicine facilities.

In Meppadi, our volunteers also did public clean-up drives for the debris that collected there, especially since the accumulated plastic waste could lead to health problems.