The Wayanad landslide of 2024, triggered by heavy monsoon rains and a midnight cloudburst on July 30th, brought unimaginable devastation to Kerala, South India. We lost over 415 lives, with more than 200 of our brothers and sisters still missing. The disaster reduced homes, resorts, schools, places of worship, and vital infrastructure to rubble, leaving survivors with nothing but the wet, torn clothes they wore as they fled for their lives.
Wayanad, a district known for its hills, valleys, and tea gardens, is one of the most underdeveloped regions in Kerala. We, the friars living in the remote village of Meppadi, found ourselves deeply connected to this tragedy. Our friary, Prakruthi Mithra, which stands for living in harmony with nature, is located within the vicinity of the disaster. On that fateful night, the relentless rains turned the Chaliyar River into a violent torrent. The landslides not only caused physical destruction but also left deep psychological scars. What was once a life-giving monsoon became a terrifying force of death.
As we looked around, we saw our neighbors, once eagerly awaiting the monsoon rains to bring relief from the summer heat, now facing a harsh reality. The landslides, combined with the fear of more to come, forced many into temporary camps. The pain of losing loved ones was unbearable, especially for those who couldn’t even recover the bodies of their family members to perform last rites.
Before the landslide struck, we had already begun our relief efforts, responding to the havoc caused by the unceasing rains. We provided tarpaulin sheets to cover leaking roofs and emergency light bulbs to bring some light into dark, rain-soaked homes. Despite the immense challenges, we continued to offer not just physical relief, but also emotional and spiritual support to those affected.
In the camps, we tried to bring moments of joy to the displaced, particularly the elderly, who found some solace in the school classrooms where they were sheltered. We also provided food kits to those returning home after the camps, ensuring they had something to eat despite the ongoing hardships. Thanks to the support from the Franciscan mission and local benefactors, we were able to sustain our efforts and continue reaching out to those in need.
The teachings of our Minister General, Br. Massimo Fusarelli, deeply moved us, urging us to reach out to the excluded and suffering. Inspired by Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of the Poor, we committed ourselves to serving those on the periphery, offering them hope in the face of despair. Our work in Wayanad is a reflection of the Franciscan spirit of standing by the least and the lost, mending broken hearts, homes, and families in the aftermath of this tragic landslide.
In conclusion, our response to the Wayanad landslide is a testament to our commitment to solidarity with the poor and marginalized. Our efforts to bring comfort and hope to those affected by this disaster are rooted in our Franciscan values of compassion, service, and brotherhood, even in the face of overwhelming tragedy. We are determined to continue walking with our people, offering them the support they need as they rebuild their lives.
Babu Jose Pampalny ofm
From Prakruthi Mithra. A petal of peace for the poor and deserving. A Franciscan [ofm] initiative. Meppadi Panchayat, Chundel, Wayanad, Kerala.
