Wayanad Landslide Survivors Begin Moving Into Kalpetta Township

Wayanad: CPI(M) veteran Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday spoke to some families who survived the 2024 Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide disaster and have now moved into government-built houses in a district of Kalpetta here. In March this year, Chief Minister Vijayan of the previous LDF government had handed over the keys of 178 houses built for the victims.

However, families had not moved before because not all amenities were available.

On Sunday, several families who survived the landslide moved into the house and became the first family to live in the district.

In his Facebook post, Vijayan said he spoke to some of the families on the phone and could feel the joy of a new beginning in lives filled with deep pain and loss.

“A safe house is not just walls and a roof, but also a symbol of hope, trust and a new life. I share their happiness with all my heart,” he said.

He also wished the families a peaceful and happy life.

Former Revenue Minister and CPI leader K Rajan also shared a video on Facebook showing a housewarming ceremony held in one of the houses in the district.

He said families started moving into the houses with the traditional “paal kaachal” ceremony, which symbolizes the occupation of the first house.

“This development is seen as a proud moment with the district being described as a ‘city of love’ that Kerala has jointly built for those affected,” he said.

A total of 327 houses were built in the district.

Landslides in Wayanad’s Mundakkai-Chooralmala district in July 2024 killed more than 200 people and destroyed hundreds of houses.