For Shajahan Kuttiyath, each visit to his hometown in Kerala, India, was a joyous reunion with friends and family. However, this has now transformed into an unimaginable tragedy. The landslide that devastated the Wayanad district on Tuesday has obliterated his entire village. Over 100 of his relatives and friends are confirmed dead or missing.
"My immediate family, including my parents, wife, and daughters, are safe as they reside about half a kilometer from the landslide site. But the toll on my extended family is devastating—over 90 members have perished," Shajahan recounted to Khaleej Times. "Additionally, about 12 of my friends are unaccounted for. We are in the dark about the exact number of surviving family members. People continue to search hospitals for any news."
The 37-year-old UAE-based driver originates from Chooralmala, one of the most severely affected areas. "Every hour, I receive distressing photos of individuals I believed were safe, only to learn they are missing or deceased," he shared. A document he circulated contained images and names of at least 50 people, as everyone frantically tries to locate their loved ones.
The landslide, occurring early Tuesday morning while many were asleep, marks the worst disaster in Kerala since the 2018 floods that claimed over 400 lives. Shajahan believes several factors contributed to the catastrophe. "My family reported incessant rain on Monday evening," he said. "On social media, friends mentioned assisting neighbors with flooded homes. The relentless rain altered a river's course, triggering the disaster. A second, more massive landslide occurred during the initial rescue efforts."
Shajahan's elder daughter is inconsolable, having lost her best friend in the tragedy. "She and her classmates have suffered immense losses," he lamented. Additionally, the destruction of their local school, the only one in the area, poses a significant challenge for his daughters' education. "My elder daughter is in Grade 10, a crucial year for her future. The nearest school is 15 kilometers away," he explained, expressing deep concern for their educational prospects.
Many friends have lost their homes entirely. Shajahan shared a video of a friend's devastated home. "Survivors have lost everything," he noted. "Our immediate focus is on rescuing survivors and ensuring their safety, but rebuilding will be a lengthy process. Hundreds of families must start anew."
Rescue operations in Kerala are ongoing, with the death toll reaching 158. Access to the affected area is severely limited due to a destroyed bridge. The government is constructing a temporary bridge to facilitate heavy equipment transport. Shajahan's WhatsApp groups have fallen silent, reflecting the profound shock and loss among his friends.
