$1.8 million in aid for landslide-prone Wayanad

Swami Amritaswarupanada announces the package in a press meet

26 Sep 2024, Amritapuri

On the occasion of Amma’s 71st birthday, the Ashram is unveiling a major disaster-relief initiative aimed at enhancing landslide resilience in Wayanad, Kerala. This will include an aid package of $1.8 million (₹15 crores) to support the survivors of the recent landslides and strengthen disaster response in the region.

Amrita University will also deploy its advanced landslide early warning systems in Wayanad District’s most vulnerable areas, to protect people from the growing threat of climate-change-induced disasters. Work on the project is set to commence as soon as official clearance is received from the Kerala State Government.

This new initiative follows the series of devastating landslides that took place on July 30, 2024, causing widespread destruction in the villages of Wayanad district.

The disaster—one of the deadliest in Kerala’s recent history—resulted in more than 400 fatalities and about 400 injuries, with another 118 people still reported missing. Given Wayanad’s continuing vulnerability, the program will play a critical role in preventing future loss of life.