On the 29th of July 2024, a devastating landslide swept through the Puthumala village in the Meppadi Panchayat of Wayanad, Kerala. Heavy rains triggered the landslide, sending tons of mud and debris that buried homes, farms, and infrastructure. This catastrophe caused massive damage, obliterating the agricultural vibrancy of the village and sweeping away crops, livestock, and lives.
The disaster has claimed at least 135 lives, with nearly 200 people still missing. More than 16,000 individuals have been rendered homeless and are currently sheltered in relief camps throughout the district. The continuous rainfall and challenging terrain have made rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local volunteers arduous, with 186 people receiving treatment in hospitals.
The landslide’s causes are both natural and human-induced. Large-scale deforestation and unregulated construction have destabilized the region’s soil structure. Extensive tree felling in the 1980s for plantation purposes has significantly contributed to the area’s susceptibility to landslides.
Technological Innovations and Indian Startups in Landslide Prevention and Disaster Management
Technological advancements are crucial for preventing and mitigating such disasters. Several Indian startups are making strides in various dimensions of landslide prevention and disaster management:
- Ambee: Specializes in environmental intelligence, providing real-time data on weather, air quality, and soil health. This information is crucial for early warning systems and disaster preparedness.
- Skymet: A leading weather forecasting and agri-risk solutions company, Skymet uses satellite data and advanced weather models to predict and monitor natural disasters, including landslides.
- Indrones: Utilizes drone technology for aerial surveys and mapping, providing detailed topographic data that can help identify landslide-prone areas and assess damage post-disaster.
- Terra Drone India: Offers drone-based services for surveying and inspecting critical infrastructure. Their technology can be used for rapid assessment and response during disasters, providing real-time data to aid in decision-making.
- SatSure: Combines satellite imagery, AI, and Big Data analytics to offer solutions for agriculture, forestry, and disaster management. Their services include monitoring soil moisture levels and predicting landslide risks.
- Blue Sky Analytics: Provides environmental data using satellite imagery and AI. Their platform can monitor land use changes and predict areas at risk of landslides, helping in early intervention and planning.
- SenseHawk: Develops software for solar site management but also offers geospatial data analytics that can be adapted for monitoring land stability and predicting landslides.
- MapmyIndia: A digital mapping and geospatial data company, MapmyIndia offers detailed mapping solutions that can aid in disaster management by providing accurate terrain data and facilitating efficient rescue operations.
These startups exemplify the diverse technological approaches being developed to tackle landslide risks and enhance disaster preparedness and response. By leveraging innovations in satellite imaging, AI, UAVs, and digital modeling, these companies are significantly contributing to reducing the impact of natural disasters and improving resilience in vulnerable regions.
