The tragedy that struck Wayanad on the night of July 30, 2024, was nothing short of catastrophic. A devastating landslide triggered by relentless monsoon rains and a sudden cloudburst claimed over 415 lives, with more than 200 people still missing. The once picturesque district of Kerala, known for its lush hills and valleys, now bears the scars of unimaginable loss and destruction.
We friars, with our friary located within a 20-kilometer radius of the disaster, witnessed firsthand the horror and devastation that unfolded. Many of those who survived had nothing but the soaked and tattered clothes on their backs as they scrambled for safety in the dark, cold, and rain. They sought refuge in the hills and woods, amidst the very real danger of wild elephants, clinging to life with fear in their hearts and tears in their eyes. Entire families, including migrant workers, lost loved ones as the landslides reduced homes, schools, places of worship, and vital infrastructure to rubble. The once-gentle Chaliyar River and the beautiful streams of Chooralmala hill turned into torrents of destruction, leaving behind a landscape of despair.
Wayanad, one of the most underdeveloped districts in Kerala, is a region of breathtaking natural beauty but limited infrastructure. The area has no train or flight services, with the nearest railway station or airport located about 100 kilometers away. Our friary, Prakruthi Mithra—meaning “Friend of Nature”—is nestled in the remote village of Meppadi Panchayat, surrounded by marginalized communities, including tribal hamlets, tea garden workers, and settlers from various cultures and religions. Here, we strive to promote a harmonious relationship with nature, respecting, protecting, and sustaining the environment.
Fr. Babu Jose Pamplany OFM
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