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10 August 2026

Wayanad landslide study

This study provides a scientific, evidence-based analysis of a major national disaster, offering specific insights into landslide triggers and geomorphological factors that are directly relevant to disaster management and geography questions in the UPSC Mains.

1 min read Day 6 of 6 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • A study published in the journal 'Landslides' identifies the 2024 Wayanad landslide as a result of combined climatic and geological factors, rather than extreme rainfall alone.
  • The research was conducted by teams from the University of Kerala, IISER Mohali, and Savitribai Phule Pune University.
  • Intense monsoon rainfall served as the immediate trigger for the slope failure.
  • Underlying geological, geomorphological, and structural factors determined the initiation point, debris flow path, and the high level of destructiveness.
  • Methodology included field investigations in April 2025, geological mapping from Chooralmala to Punchirimattam, laboratory analysis of rock samples, and the use of drone-mounted LiDAR and high-resolution aerial imagery for inaccessible areas.

Part of a longer story

This is day 6 of 6 in Wayanad tunnel road project development and safety concerns, which has been running since 8 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. The 2024 Wayanad landslide highlights the complex interplay between climatic triggers and geological vulnerabilities in the Western Ghats. Discuss the significance of integrating geological mapping and modern remote sensing technologies in disaster risk assessment for landslide-prone regions. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Landslide susceptibility in the Western Ghats is often attributed to extreme weather events. In light of recent studies, examine how underlying geological and geomorphological factors contribute to the severity of such disasters and suggest a framework for sustainable land-use planning in ecologically sensitive zones. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following technologies was specifically mentioned as being used to investigate the inaccessible crown of the 2024 Wayanad landslide?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-10/wayanad-landslide-study